Some biological aspects of chacunda gizzard shad, Anodontostoma chacunda (Hamilton, 1822) from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Abstract

Anodontostoma chacunda is a commercial fish species in the market and is usually consumed in fresh, smoked, and dried forms. This study investigated the population structure, length-weight relationships (LWR), condition factor (KF), size at sexual maturity (Lm), and breeding season of A. chacunda in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, using the data collected from January to December 2020. A total of 1061 individuals were collected in the sampling period with the help of fishers. Total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were measured using a measuring board and an electronic balance. The TL ranged from 12.50 to 26.70 cm. The allometric coefficient (b) value was 3.34, indicating positive allometric growth in this species. The fish is in good condition, evidenced by its condition factor (KF) ranging between 0.88 and 1.73. Maturity size ranged from 15.40 to 16.80 cm (TL) based on three distinguished models. Spawning time lasts from January to May and from September to December. The peak spawning time was December of A. chacunda in the Bay of Bengal. This information could prove valuable for fisheries researchers and biologists, facilitating efforts toward the conservation and sustainable management of this species.

Keywords

• A. chacunda
• Bay of Bengal
• Condition
• Population structure
• Size at sexual maturity
• Spawning period