Morphometric, meristic characteristics and conservation of the threatened fish, Puntius sarana (Hamilton, 1822) (Cyprinidae) in the Ganges River, northwestern Bangladesh

Özet

The present study aims to describe the morphometric, meristic characteristics and threatening factors for the critically endangered species Puntius sarana (Hamilton, 1822) in the lower part of Ganges River, northwestern Bangladesh. A total of 87 specimens ranging from 9.30-21.70 mm TL (total length) and 10.05-189.25 g body weight (BW) were used for the studies of the morphometric and meristic characteristics. The necessary data and information were collected through the interview or survey on >120 fishers and >80 fish farmers from March 2006 to December 2007. The results indicated that the populations are declining due to over-exploitation, pollution and environmental degradation, spread of disease, uncontrolled introduction of exotic fish, and lack of proper management. This study also suggested the measures for the conservation of the remnant isolated population of P. sarana in the Ganges River and nearby areas.