Population Parameters of a Freshwater Clupeid, Corica soborna (Hamilton, 1822) from the Ganges River, Northwestern Bangladesh

Our study illustrates the first complete description on population parameters of Corica soborna including sex ratio (SR), length-frequency distributions (LFDs), length-weight relationships (LWRs), length-length relationships (LLRs), condition factors (allometric, K A, Fulton's, K F, relative, K R, and relative weight, W R), form factor (a 3.0), size at fist sexual maturity (L m) and natural mortality (M W) using multi-model indices from the Ganges River of northwestern Bangladesh. For each individual, the total length (TL), fork length (FL), standard length (SL), and body weight (BW) were measured by digital slide calipers and an electric balance, respectively. A total of 303 individuals (male = 140, female = 163) were collected from the fishers catch during January to December, 2016. The overall SR differed statistically from the expected 1:1 ratio (df = 1,.2 = 4.06, P. 0.05). The TL of males and females ranged from 2.7-4.7 cm vs. 2.8-5.0 cm, respectively. The LFDs showed that the 3.99-4.49 cm TL size group was numerically dominant for both sexes. The b values of LWRs (TL vs. BW) indicates negative allometric growth, (b = 2.82 for males and b = 2.63 for females). K F was the best condition for assessing the well-being of this species in the Ganges River. The W R was not significantly different from 100 for males (P = 0.6137) and females (P = 0.6185), indicating that habitat was still in good condition. The a 3.0 were 0.0067 and 0.0050 whereas L m was 3.14 and 3.32 cm for males and females, respectively. Also, M W was 2.55 and 2.50 year-1, respectively in the Ganges River. In addition, this study estimates the a 3.0, L m and M W from other water-bodies using the available literature. Finally, these findings will be crucial for further studies to suggest suitable policy for the sustainable management of C. soborna in the Ganges River and surrounding ecosystems.