Morphology, Length–Weight Relationship, Biology and Conservation Strategies for Least Studied Endemic Catfish, Rita сhrysea (Bagridae) from Mahanadi River System, India

Rita chrysea , Mahanadi rita is a freshwater catfish that belongs to the family Bagridae, which is endemic to the Mahanadi River system of India. It is one of the least studied species in the Bagridae family. This study was undertaken to report the taxonomic characteristics, length and weight relationship, food and feeding habit, and reproductive biology of the R. chrysea catfish. Specimens were collected from Mahanadi River at Mundali barrage, Cuttack, Odisha, India and biological analysis have been carried out. The length–weight relationship was studied for the first time and the length–weight relationship of the pooled sample was W = 0.004 L 3.38 , indicating positive allometric growth. This study also reports new the maximum total length 21.5 cm for this species. The gut content analysis revealed that R. chrysea catfish predominantly feed on molluscs. The gonado-somatic index of males was significantly low and females were had significantly higher gonado-somatic index during the study period of February to July. The spawning season of R. chrysea was observed during the monsoon season (June–August). The present study forms a baseline report on R. chrysea , which helps in the planning for fishery management and conservation strategies.