Length-Weight Relationship and Growth Pattern of Bengal Loach (B. Dario) in Bangladesh

Abstract

The study established length-weight relationships and to determine growth pattern of Bengal Loach (BOTIA DARIO). Sampling was carried out once in a month over a calendar year from the Someshwari River in Netrakona. At each sampling, at least 25 individuals were collected. Among 300 individuals, the measurement of standard-length was from3.50 to 25.3 cm and body weight varied from 2.1 to 21.5 g. The parameters ‘a’ and ‘b’ of the equation, W=aL^bvaried monthly and it ranged from 0.018 to 0.081, and 2.021 to 3.211, respectively. The highest value of ‘a’ was calculated in June and the lowest value was in February. The highest value of ‘b’ was calculated in February and the lowest value was in June. The generalized length-weight relationship was BW=0.034SL^2.805 pooling all monthly samples data. The highest correlation coefficient was estimated in June and the lowest value was in January. Isometric growth pattern were found for monthly populations in January, February, April, May, July, August, September and October; while, allometric growth pattern was found in March, June, November, and December. The growth pattern of pooled data of all monthly samples was allometric.