Received: 10 July 2019 | Revised: 5 January 2021 | Accepted: 6 February 2021 DOI: 10.1111/lre.12354 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Life-history traits of three Ambassid fishes (Chanda nama, Parambassis lala and Parambassis ranga) from the Mathabhanga River, southwestern Bangladesh Md. Yeamin Hossain1 | Md. Alomgir Hossen1 | Zannatul Mawa1 | Md. Ataur Rahman1 | Md. Rabiul Hasan1 | Md. Akhtarul Islam1 | Dalia Khatun1 | Md. Ashekur Rahman1 | Sumaya Tanjin1 | Most. Shakila Sarmin1 | Md. Abul Bashar2 | Jun Ohtomi3 1 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh ABSTRACT Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Riverine Station, Chandpur, Bangladesh population structure, growth pattern, condition factor, form factor (a3.0), size at first 2 3 Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, Kagohsima, Japan Correspondence Md. Yeamin Hossain, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh. Email: Funding information University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh The present study provides the first indication of the life-history traits, including, sexual maturity (Lm), natural mortality (MW ) and optimum catchable length (Lopt), of three Ambassid (Chanda nama, Parambassis lala and Parambassis ranga) fishes from the Mathabhanga River in southwest Bangladesh. A total of 370 individuals were occasionally collected from August 2017 to July 2018 with cast nets, gill nets, square lift nets, and conical- and box-traps. The total length (TL) ranged from 2.4 to 7.5 cm for C. nama, 1.9–3.8 cm for P. lala and 1.8–6.5 cm for P. ranga. The length-frequency distributions (LFDs) showed the 4.0–5.0 cm TL size group for C. nama and the 3.0–4.0 cm TL size group were numerically dominant for P. lala and P. ranga. The length–weight relationships (LWRs) indicated isometric growth for C. nama, and positive allometric growth for P. lala and P. ranga. All the LWR values were very significant (p < .001), with all r2 values > .950. Based on the Spearman rank correlation test, body weight (BW) versus Fulton's-condition factor (KF ) was extremely correlated (p < .001), indicating a better wellbeing for these species. The a3.0 value was 0.0082, 0.0138 and 0.0104 for C. nama, P. lala and P. ranga, respectively. Based on the maximum length (Lmax), the Lm was 4.4 cm TL for C. nama, 2.5 cm TL for P. lala, and 4.0 cm TL for P. ranga. Based on the asymptotic length (L∞), the Lm was 4.88 cm TL for C. nama, 2.63 cm TL for P. lala, and 4.28 cm TL for P. ranga. The MW value was 2.2, 3.3 and 2.7/year for C. nama, P. lala and P. ranga, respectively. The optimum catchable length (Lopt) was 5.36 cm TL for C. nama, 2.75 cm TL for P. lala and 4.65 cm TL for P. ranga. The findings of the present study should be very useful for effective and sustainable management of these fishes in the Mathabhanga River and the connecting ecosystems. KEYWORDS Ambassid species, Bangladesh, life history, Mathabhanga River Lakes & Reserv. 2021;00:1–11. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/lre © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd | 1 2 1 | HOSSAIN et Al. | I NTRO D U C TI O N 2 The Ambassid fishes (Chanda nama; Parambassis lala; Parambassis | M ATE R I A L S A N D M E TH O DS 2.1 | Sampling ranga) of the Ambassidae family and Perciformes order are widely distributed in Asian countries, including Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, The present study was conducted in the Mathabhanga River (a tribu- Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan (Froese & Pauly, tary of the Ganges River) in SW Bangladesh. Samples were obtained 2018). These fishes are used mainly for aquarium purposes and have occasionally from different parts of the Mathabhanga River in the high market value (Arunachalam et al., 2000; Dawes, 2001). These Chuadanga region from August 2017 to July 2018 from commer- fishes inhabit clear streams, canals, beels, ponds, ditches and inun- cial fishers’ catches. The gears used by commercial fishers include dated paddy fields (Kapoor et al., 2002; Rahman, 1989). They mainly cast net (mesh size ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 cm), gill net (mesh size feed on invertebrates, worms and crustaceans (Mills & Vevers, 1989; ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 cm), square lift net (mesh size ~1.0 cm) and Rainboth, 1996). The wild populations of these species are declining conical- and box-traps. Collected fishes were immediately stored in for various reasons, including habitat destruction and modification, ice on site and fixed in 5% formalin upon arrival at the laboratory. use of illegal fishing gear, indiscriminate fishing, water pollution and The identification of fishes was done according to the keys of Talwar other ecological changes to their habitat (Hossain, Hossen, Pramanik, and Jhingran (1991); Jayaram (1999) and FishBase (Froese & Pauly, Ahmed, et al., 2015; Hossain, Hossen, Pramanik, Nawer, et al., 2015; 2018). Hossain, Hossen, Yahya, et al., 2015; Hossen et al., 2015). Chanda nama and P. ranga are globally categorized as of least concern and P. lala is categorized as near threatened (IUCN, 2018). 2.2 | Fish size measurement Information on the life-history traits of these fish is essential for their sustainable management and conservation (Hossain et al., The total length (TL), standard length (SL) and total body weight 2009; Hossain, Rahman, Fulanda, et al., 2012). This information also (BW) were measured for each individual fish with digital calipers and facilitates comparison of the habitat health and condition of the an electronic balance with a 0.1 cm and 0.1 g accuracy, respectively. fish (Hossain, Khatun, et al., 2013). Although the life-history traits, The LFDs were constructed using 1.0 cm intervals of TL. including length-frequency distribution (LFDs) (Hossain et al., 2006), length–weight relationships (LWRs) (Hossain, Jewel, et al., 2012; Hossain, Rahman, Jewel, et al., 2012; Hossain, Sayed, et al., 2.3 | Estimation of growth pattern 2015), condition factor (Hossain et al., 2008; Hossain, Rahman, Fulanda, et al., 2012), form factor (Hossain et al., 2013, 2014) and The LWRs was calculated on the basis of the following equation (Le size at sexual maturity (Hossain, Jewel, et al., 2012; Hossain et al., Cren, 1951): 2012) of many fish species from different river basins are well documented, there is no comparable information on the life history of W = a × Lb (1) Ambassid fish species such as C. nama, P. lala and P. ranga. A few studies, including growth, LWRs and LLRs, have been conducted where W = body weight (g); and L = total length (cm). The parameters on this species from other river basins (Table 1). Detailed informa- a and b were estimated by linear regression analyses based on natu- tion on the life-history traits of these species is required for their ral logarithms (ln(W) = ln(a) + b ln(L)). The 95% confidence limits of a proper management and for initiating conservation policies for the and b and the coefficient of determination (r2) were also estimated. Mathabhanga River in southwest Bangladesh. Accordingly, this According to Froese (2006), prior to the regression analysis of ln-BW study focuses on describing the life-history traits, including LFDs, on ln-TL, ln-ln plots of length and weight values were performed to LWRs, several condition factors, relative weight (WR), form factor detect outliers, with extremes being omitted from the regression anal- (a3.0), size at first sexual maturity (Lm) and natural mortality (Mw), of yses. A t test was performed to confirm whether or not the b values three Ambassid fishes from the Mathabhanga River in southwest- obtained in the linear regressions were significantly different from the ern (SW) Bangladesh. isometric value (b = 3) (Sokal & Rohlf, 1987). Aspects Water body/Country References Growth and condition Ganges River Hossain et al. (2016) Reproduction Brahmaputra River Islam et al. (2017) Deepor Beel, Assam Borah et al. (2017) Hirakud Reservoir, India Karna et al. (2018) Haebaru Reservior, Southern Japan Ishikawa and Tachihara (2012) TA B L E 1 Growth, condition and reproduction aspects for three Ambassid fish species 3 | HOSSAIN et Al. TA B L E 2 Descriptive statistics of the length (cm) and weight (g) measurements for three Ambassid fish species from Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh Species Measurements n Min Max Mean ± SD 95% CL Chanda nama TL 130 2.4 7.5 4.29 ± 0.98 4.12–4.45 FL 2 6.4 3.72 ± 0.84 3.57–3.87 SL 1.5 5.5 3.27 ± 0.76 3.14–3.40 0.1 3.2 0.77 ± 0.60 0.66–0.87 1.9 3.8 2.92 ± 0.32 2.86–2.98 BW TL Parambassis lala 120 FL 1.7 3.4 2.57 ± 0.30 2.51–2.62 SL 1.3 2.8 2.11 ± 0.22 2.07–2.15 0.1 0.9 0.40 ± 0.13 0.37–0.42 1.8 6.5 3.51 ± 1.09 3.31–3.71 FL 1.5 5.5 3.04 ± 0.98 2.85–3.20 SL 1.4 5.0 2.63 ± 0.89 2.47–2.79 BW 0.1 4.1 0.85 ± 0.93 0.68–1.01 BW Parambassis ranga TL 120 Abbreviations: BW, body weight; CL, confidence limit for mean values; FL, fork length; Max, maximum; Min, minimum; n, sample size; SD, standard deviation; SL, standard length; TL, total length. 2.4 | Determination of condition factor and form factor where W = weight of a particular individual and WS = predicted standard weight for the same individual as calculated by WS = a × Lb, where a and b values were obtained from the relationships between TL versus BW. The allometric condition factor (K A) was calculated using the equation of Tesch (1968) as follows: KA = W∕Lb (2) 2.6 | Estimation of size at sexual maturity and natural mortality where W = BW (g); L = TL (cm) and b = LWRs parameter. The The Lm was calculated for all three species separately using the fol- Fultonʹs condition factor (K F ) was calculated using the equation lowing equation (Binohlan and Froese (2009): (K F = 100 × (W/L 3)) (Fulton, 1904), where W is the BW (g) and L is the TL (cm). The scaling factor of 100 was used to bring the K F log ( Lm ) = − 0.1189 + 0.9157 ∗ log ( Lmax ) (5) close to unit. The relative condition factor (K R) for each individual was calculated using the equation of Le Cren (1951)(K R = W/ (a × L b)) where W is the BW (g), L is the TL (cm) and a and b are the The MW was calculated using the model of (Peterson and Wroblewski (1984): LWR parameters. The a3.0 was calculated using the equation of Froese (2006) as MW = 1.92 year − 1 ∗ ( W ) − 0.25 (6) follows: loga − s ( b − 3 ) a3.0 = 10 (3) where a and b = regression parameter of LWRs and s = regression slope of ln a versus b. A mean slope S = −1.358 (Froese, 2006) was used in the present study to estimate the form factor (a3.0) because information on LWRs is not available for this species for estimating the regression of ln-a versus b. where MW = Natural mortality at mass W and W = a * L, with a & b being LWR regression parameters. 2.7 | Optimum catchable length (Lopt) The optimum catchable length (Lopt) is the length from which maximum fishes would be obtained (Froese et al. 2018). Lopt was estimated with the Beverton (1992) model: 2.5 | Estimation of prey-predator status Lopt = 3L∞ ( 3 + MK − 1 ) − 1 (7) The prey-predator status was calculated through the relative weight (WR) as (Froese, 2006): where L∞ = asymptotic length estimated by log L∞ = 0.044 + 0.9841 * log WR = ( W∕WS ) × 100 (4) (Lmax) (Froese & Binohlan, 2000), M = natural mortality and K = growth coefficient K = 3/tmax (Pauly & Munro, 1984). 4 | HOSSAIN et Al. F I G U R E 1 Length-frequency distribution of (i) Chanda nama, (ii) Parambassis lala and (iii) Parambassis ranga in Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh TA B L E 3 Descriptive statistics and estimated parameters of length–weight relationships for three Ambassid fish species from Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh Regression parameters Species Chanda nama Equation BW = a × TL n b 130 BW = a × FLb BW = a × SLb Parambassis lala BW = a × TLb b 95% CL of a 95% CL of b r2 GT 0.008 3.01 0.0070–0.0096 2.90–3.11 .963 I 0.0124 3.01 0.0108–0.0142 2.91–3.12 .962 I 0.0204 2.92 0.0181–0.0222 2.82–3.02 .964 −A 0.012 3.23 0.0100–0.0158 2.99–3.34 .954 +A b 0.0219 3.03 0.0195–0.0245 2.91–3.15 .955 I BW = a × SLb 0.0327 3.28 0.0295–0.0363 3.15–3.42 .950 +A BW = a × FL Parambassis ranga 120 a 0.0108 3.20 0.0091–0.0122 3.10–3.32 .963 +A BW = a × FLb 0.0193 3.11 0.0171–0.0219 3.00–3.22 .962 +A BW = a × SL 0.0325 3.03 0.0290–0.0364 2.91–3.15 .956 I BW = a × TLb b 120 Abbreviations: +A, positive allometric; a, b are LWRs parameter; −A, negative allometric; BW, body weight; CL, confidence limit for mean values; FL, fork length; GT, growth type; I, isometric; n, sample size; r2, coefficient of determination; SL, standard length; TL, total length. 2.8 | Statistical analyses size group (37.3% of the total populations) for P. ranga, were numerically dominant in the Mathabhanga River (Figure 1). Statistical analyses were conducted with GraphPad Prism 6.5 software. A one-sample t test was used to relate the mean relative weight (WR) with 100 (Anderson & Neumann, 1996). The Spearman 3.2 | Growth pattern rank correlation test was applied to analyse the relationship of condition factors with TL and BW. All statistical analyses were consid- The sample sizes (n), regression parameters (a and b) and 95% con- ered significant at the 5% (p < .05) level. fidence intervals for a and b of the LWRs, coefficients of determination (r2) and growth type of three Ambassid fish species are 3 | R E S U LT S 3.1 | Population structure Table 2 summarizes the descriptive statistics for length and weight measurements of the three Ambassid fish species from the presented in Table 3. The allometric coefficient (b) of the LWRs (TL versus BW) indicated isometric growth (b = 3) for C. nama, positive allometric growth for P. lala and P. ranga (b > 3.0) (Figure 2). All LWRs were highly significant (p < .001), with all r2 values exceeding .950. 3.3 | Condition factor and form factor Mathabhanga River. The length ranges of the specimens were 2.4– 7.5 cm TL for C. nama, 1.9–3.8 cm TL for P. lala and 1.8–6.5 cm TL The K A range in the present study was 0.0056–0.0125 for C. nama, for P. ranga. The LFDs indicated that the 4.0–5.0 cm TL size group 0.0117–0.0194 for P. lala and 0.0058–0.0183 for P. ranga. The KF (37.5% of the total populations) for C. nama, 3.0–4.0 cm TL size range was 0.55–1.25 for C. nama, 1.25–2.03 for P. lala and 0.74–2.16 group (52.9% of the total populations) for P. lala and 3.0–4.0 cm TL for P. ranga. The KR range was 0.68–1.52 for C. nama, 0.85–1.41 for | HOSSAIN et Al. 5 F I G U R E 2 Relationships between ln-total length and ln-body weight for (i) Chanda nama, (ii) Parambassis lala and (iii) Parambassis ranga from Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh TA B L E 4 Condition factors for three Ambassid fish species from Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh Species Chanda nama Condition factors n KA 130 KF KA 120 Parambassis ranga KA KF KR WR 0.0083 ± 0.0011 0.0081–0.0085 1.2500 0.8302 ± 0.1126 0.8105–0.8499 1.5244 1.0124 ± 0.1373 0.9884–1.0364 101.24 ± 13.73 98.84–103.64 152.44 0.0117 0.0194 0.0140 ± 0.0012 0.0137–0.0142 1.2500 2.0354 1.5351 ± 0.1364 1.5104–1.5599 1.4062 1.0111 ± 0.0904 0.9947–1.0275 101.11 ± 9.03 99.47–102.75 85.10 120 95% CL 0.0125 0.8510 KR WR Mean ± SD 0.0056 67.87 KF Max 0.5565 0.6787 KR WR Parambassis lala Min 140.62 0.0058 0.0183 0.0107 ± 0.0020 0.0103–0.0111 0.7407 2.1596 1.4000 ± 0.2613 1.3523–1.4476 1.7638 1.0298 ± 0.1906 0.9951–1.0606 102.98 ± 19.06 99.51–106.46 0.5593 55.93 176.38 K A , allometric condition factor; KF, Fultonʹs condition factor; KR, relative condition factor; WR, relative weight; n, sample size; Min, minimum; Max, maximum; SD, standard deviation; CL, confidence limit for mean values P. lala and 0.56–1.76 for P. ranga. The WR range was 67.87– 152.44 3.5 | Size at sexual maturity and natural mortality for C. nama, 85.10–140.62 for P. lala and 55.93–176.38 for P. ranga (Table 4). The relationships of different condition factors (K A , KF, KR Based on the maximum length, Lm was estimated as 4.4 cm TL for and WR) with TL and BW are shown in Table 5, while the relation- C. nama, 2.5 cm TL for P. lala and 4.0 cm TL for P. ranga. Based on the ships between BW versus KF are illustrated in Figure 3. The calcu- asymptotic length, Lm was 4.88 cm TL for C. nama, 2.63 cm TL for lated a3.0 was 0.0082, 0.0138 and 0.0104 for C. nama, P. lala and P. lala and 4.28 cm TL for P. ranga (Table 6). Further, the MW was 2.2/ P. ranga, respectively (Table 6). year, 3.3/year and 2.7/year for C. nama, P. lala and P. ranga, respectively, in the Mathabhanga River (Table 6 and Figure 5). 3.4 | Prey-predator status According to the one-sample t test, the WR exhibited no significant 3.6 | Optimum catchable length (Lopt) differences from 100 for C. nama (p = .308), P. lala (p = .182) and The optimum catchable length was (Lopt) 5.36 cm TL for C. nama, P. ranga (p = .092). The relationships between TL versus WR are il- 2.75 cm TL for P. lala and 4.65 cm TL for P. ranga (Table 6 and lustrated in Figure 4. Figure 6). 6 | HOSSAIN et Al. Species Chanda nama Parambassis lala Parambassis ranga Relationships rs values 95% CL of rs p values Significance TL versus K A .2310 0.0547 to 0.3934 p = .008 * TL versus KF .2053 0.0277 to 0.3703 p = .020 * TL versus KR .2050 0.0274 to 0.3701 p = .020 * TL versus WR .2054 0.0278 to 0.3704 p = .020 * BW versus K A .3838 0.2203 to 0.5263 p < .001 *** BW versus KF .3644 0.1987 to 0.5098 p < .001 *** BW versus KR .3642 0.1985 to 0.5096 p < .001 *** BW versus WR .3645 0.1988 to 0.5099 p < .001 *** TL versus K A .0904 −0.0965 to 0.2711 p = .328 ns TL versus KF .2370 0.0541 to 0.4045 p = .001 ** TL versus KR .1378 −0.0487 to 0.3150 p = .135 ns TL versus WR .1354 −0.0511 to 0.3128 p = .142 ns BW versus K A .2664 0.0853 to 0.4304 p = .004 * BW versus KF .4001 0.2321 to 0.5450 p < .001 *** BW versus KR .3000 0.1215 to 0.4597 p = .001 ** BW versus WR .2976 0.1190 to 0.4576 p = .001 ** TL versus K A .0393 −0.1478 to 0.2237 p = .672 ns TL versus KF .3295 0.1528 to 0.4857 p = .001 ** TL versus KR .0174 −0.1692 to 0.2027 p = .852 ns TL versus WR .0178 −0.1687 to 0.2032 p = .848 ns BW versus K A .2316 0.0477 to 0.4004 p = .012 * BW versus KF .5050 0.3520 to 0.6317 p < .001 *** BW versus KR .2092 0.0241 to 0.3804 p = .023 * BW versus WR .2097 0.0246 to 0.3808 p = .023 * TA B L E 5 Relationships of condition factor with total length (TL) and body weight (BW) for three Ambassid fish species from Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh Note: * significant; ** highly significant; *** extremely significant. Abbreviations: BW, body weight; CL, confidence limit; Fultonʹs condition factor; K A , allometric condition factor; KF; KR, relative condition factor; ns, not significant; P, shows the level of significance; rS, spearman rank correlation values; TL, total length; WR, relative weight. F I G U R E 3 Relationships between ln-body weight and ln-Fultonʹs condition factor (KF ) of (i) Chanda nama, (ii) Parambassis lala and (iii) Parambassis ranga from Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh 4 | DISCUSSION for Bangladesh (Borah et al., 2017; Hossain et al., 2016; Ishikawa & Tachihara, 2012; Islam et al., 2017; Karna et al., 2018). Accordingly, Available literature on the length–weight relationships and other the present study provides some of the first information on the life- population parameters of the three Ambassid fish species C. nama, history traits of three Ambassid fish species from the Mathabhanga P. lala and P. ranga are scarce for other parts of the world, as well as River in southwest Bangladesh. A total of 370 individuals of three | HOSSAIN et Al. 7 TA B L E 6 Calculated asymptotic length (L∞), form factor (a3.0), size at first sexual maturity (Lm), natural mortality (MW ) and optimum catchable length (Lopt) for three Ambassid fish species from Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh Length Species Type Min Max L∞ a b a3.0 Lm based on Lmax Lm based on L∞ MW year−1 Lopt Chanda nama TL 2.40 7.50 8.04 0.008 3.01 0.0082 4.40 4.88 2.20 5.36 Parambassis lala TL 1.90 3.80 4.12 0.012 3.23 0.0189 2.50 2.63 3.30 2.75 Parambassis ranga TL 1.80 6.50 6.98 0.011 3.20 0.0213 4.00 4.28 2.70 4.65 Abbreviations: a, b are LWRs parameter; a3.0, form factor; CL, confidence limit; Lm, size at first sexual maturity; Max, maximum; Min, minimum; MW, natural mortality; TL, total length. F I G U R E 4 Relationships between total length (TL) and relative weight (WR) of Chanda nama, Parambassis lala and Parambassis ranga from Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh Ambassid fish species of various body sizes were analysed in the 6.4 cm for P. ranga, respectively, in the Ganges River. This finding is present study. It is noted that it was not possible in the present study in accordance with the findings of the present study. Information on to catch fish smaller than 1.8 cm TL, which may be attributable to the maximum length is necessary to estimate the population param- the absence of smaller size fishes in the present study area (<1.8 cm) eters, including asymptotic length and fish growth coefficient, which or that the fishers did not go to locations containing smaller size fish is important information needed for fisheries resource planning and and/or because of the selectivity of fishing gear (Hossain, Sayed, management (Hossain, Sayed, et al., 2015; Hossen, Paul, et al., 2019; et al., 2015; Khatun et al., 2019; Rahman et al., 2019). The maximum Hossen, Rahman, et al., 2019). TL in the present study was 7.5 cm for C. nama, being smaller than Regardless of variations of fish forms, an allometric coefficient b the reported maximum value of 11.0 cm TL (Menon, 1999), and it value close to 3 generally indicates isometrical fish growth, while val- was 3.8 cm TL for P. lala and 6.5 cm TL for P. ranga the maximum ues significantly different from 3.0 indicate allometric growth (>3.0 length, the latter also being smaller than the maximum reported positive allometric; <3.0 negative allometric). In our study, based value of 8.0 cm TL (Rahman, 1989). Hossain et al. (2016) also re- on the b values of LWRs (TL versus BW) in the present study, the ported a maximum length of 7.2 cm for C. nama, 3.9-em for P. lala and C. nama exhibited isometric growth (b = 3.0), while P. lala and P. ranga 8 | HOSSAIN et Al. F I G U R E 5 Natural mortality of Chanda nama, Parambassis lala and Parambassis ranga from Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh exhibited a positive allometric growth pattern in the Mathabhanga P. lala and 55.93–176.38 for P. ranga. Based on the Spearman rank River, with b values exceeding 3.0. The LWRs of fish species in the correlation test, the KF exhibited the best performance with BW same habitat may vary because of food and feeding habits, sex gen- for all three species (p < .001), and it can be postulated that the der, gonadal maturity, health and preservation techniques of the KF is the best indicator for the wellbeing of these species in the captured specimens (Hossain et al., 2014; Parvin et al., 2018), factors Mathabhanga River ecosystem. According to Islam et al. (2017), not considered in the present study. Islam et al. (2017) recorded a b the KF range was 0.77–1.16 for C. nama and 1.16–1.84 for P. ranga. value of 2.90 for C. nama, which is lower than the findings (b = 3.01) Further, the WR range was 83.44–126.17 for C. nama and 75.68– of the present study. Hossain et al. (2016) also reported b values of 130.60 for P. ranga for the Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh. The 3.00 for C. nama, 3.10 for P. lala and 3.23 for P. ranga, respectively, conditions were somewhat different between the two habitats, in Ganges River, also in accordance with the findings of the present which might be attributable to the preservation technique, stock study. Although many studies focus on a single condition factor, the health, stomach fullness, gonadal maturity, gender, season or geographic location (Khatun et al., 2019). present study examined all four condition factors (K A , KF, KR and The a3.0 value is very important to confirm whether or not the WR). The K A range obtained in the present study was 0.0056– body shape of individual fish in a given population or species is 0.0125 for C. nama, 0.0117–0.0194 for P. lala and 0.0058–0.0183 significantly different from others (Froese, 2006). The a3.0 for the for P. ranga. The KF range was 0.55–1.25 for C. nama, 1.25–2.03 present study was 0.0082, 0.0138 and 0.0104 for C. nama, P. lala for P. lala and 0.74–2.16 for P. ranga. The KR range was 0.68–1.52 and P. ranga, correspondingly, while Islam et al. (2017) reported a3.0 for C. nama, 0.85–1.41 for P. lala and 0.56–1.76 for P. ranga, while values of 0.008 for C. nama and 0.007 for P. ranga for fish from the the WR range was 67.87– 152.44 for C. nama, 85.10–140.62 for Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. | HOSSAIN et Al. 70 No.of individuals F I G U R E 6 Optimum catchable length (Lopt) of (i) Chanda nama (ii) Parambassis lala and (iii) Parambassis ranga from Mathabhanga River, southwest Bangladesh 9 Lm Chanda nama 60 L∞ L opt 50 40 30 20 10 0 1.0 3.0 5.0 7.0 9.0 Total length (cm) No.of individuals 70 Lm Parambassis lala 60 L opt L∞ 50 40 30 20 10 0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 Total length (cm) No.of individuals 70 Lm Parambassis ranga 60 L opt L∞ 50 40 30 20 10 0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 Total length (cm) Based on the one sample t test, the relative weights (WR) exhib- water level throughout the year, there is no choice to indiscrim- ited no significant differences from 100 for C. nama (p = .309), P. lala inately kill fish since government laws and regulations are strictly (p = .181) and P. ranga (p = .092) for the Mathabhanga River, indicat- maintained. Unfortunately, however, indigenous species, including ing the habitat was in a suitable condition with regard to food avail- Ambassid fish species, are absent because of manmade or other ability and balance conditions of prey-predator relationships. factors in these oxbow lakes. If sexually mature indigenous fish like The size at sexual maturity in fish is essential to determine the Ambassid species are stored in oxbow lakes, they will return to their reason(s) for variations of sizes at maturity (Templeman, 1987). own spawning process, which will be beneficial for oxbow lake fish- The calculated L m was 4.4, 2.5 and 4.0 cm in TL for C. nama, P. lala ers and people around them. and P. ranga, respectively (based L max). The L m was 4.88 cm TL for C. nama, 2.63 cm TL for P. lala and 4.28 cm TL for P. ranga (based on L∞). For comparison, Ishikawa and Tachihara (2012) reported 5 | CO N C LU S I O N L m values of 2.58 cm TL for P. ranga from the Haebaru Reservoir, Japan, which is not consistent with the findings of the present The present study describes the life-history traits, including length- study. frequency distribution, length–weight relationships, condition The MW was 2.2, 3.3 and 2.7/year for C. nama, P. lala and P. ranga, factors, form factor, size at sexual maturity, natural mortality and respectively, in the Mathabhanga River ecosystem. The MW value optimum catchable length of three Ambassid fish species from the was high when the species was <3.0 cm TL for C. nama, and <2.0 cm Mathabhanga River in southwest Bangladesh. The results of the TL for P. lala and P. ranga in the Mathabhanga River. The optimum present study should be effective information for fishery manag- catchable length (Lopt) was 5.36 cm TL for C. nama, 2.75 cm TL for ers, fish biologists and conservationists to initiate early manage- P. lala, and 4.65 cm TL for P. ranga. No comparison with other studies ment strategies and regulations for the sustainable conservation of was possible, noting the present study was the first attempt to de- these Ambassid fish species in the Mathabhanga River and adjoining termine these aspects for this habitat ecosystem. ecosystems. It is noted that because of climate change and resulting decreasing water levels, most of the rivers in Bangladesh have dried up, AC K N OW L E D G E M E N T S wherein fishers indiscriminately kill the fish and ruin the fish stocks. The authors wish to extend their sincere appreciation to the Whereas Oxbow Lake in southwestern Bangladesh has an optimal University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh for funding of this project, and to 10 | HOSSAIN et Al. PIU-BARC, NATP-2, PBRG sub-Project: 154 for technical support in collecting morphological and meristic data. ORCID Md. Yeamin Hossain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8183-7296 REFERENCES Anderson, R. O., & Neumann, R. M. (1996). Length, weight and associated structure indices. In B. R. Murphy, & W. D. Willis (Eds.), Fisheries techniques (2nd ed., pp. 447–482). American Fisheries Society Bethesda. Arunachalam, M., Johnson, J. A., Sathyanarayanappa, S. N., Sankaranarayanan, A., & Soranam, R. (2000). Cultivable and ornamental fishes from Hemavathi and Ekachi Rivers, South Karnataka. In A. G. Ponniah, & A. Gopalakrishnan (Eds.), Endemic fish diversity of Western Ghats (pp. 226–227). NBFGR-NATP Publication. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, 1, 347 pp. Beverton, R. J. M. (1992). Patterns of reproductive strategy parameters in some marine teleost fishes. Journal of Fish Biology, 41, 137–160. Binohlan, C., & Froese, R. (2009). Empirical equations for estimating maximum length from length at first maturity. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 25, 611–613. Borah, S., Bhattacharjya, B. K., Saud, B. J., Yadav, A. K., Debnath, D., Yengkokpam, S., Das, P., Sharma, N., Singh, N. S., & Sarma, K. K. (2017). Length-weight relationship of six indigenous fish species from Deepor beel, a Ramsar site in Assam, India. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 33, 655–657. Dawes, J. (2001). Complete encyclopedia of the freshwater aquarium (pp. 1–288). Firefly Books. Froese, R. (2006). Cube law, condition factor and weight-length relationships: History, meta-analysis and recommendations. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 22, 241–253. Froese, R., & Binohlan, C. (2000). Empirical relationships to estimate asymptotic length, length at first maturity and length at maximum yield per recruit in fishes, with a simple method to evaluate length frequency data. Journal of Fish Biology, 56, 758–773. Froese, R., & Pauly, D. (Eds.) (2018). FishBase 2018: World Wide Web electronic publication. Retrieved from https://www.fishbase.se/summa ry/10132 Froese, R., Winker, H., Coro, G., Demirel, N., Tsikliras, A. C., Dimarchopoulou, D., Scarcella, G., Probst, W. N., Dureuil, M., & Pauly, D. (2018). A new approach for estimating stock status from length frequency data. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 75, 2004–2015. Fulton, T. W. (1904). The rate of growth of fishes. In Twenty-second annual reports (vol. 3; pp. 141–241). Fisheries Board of Scotland. Hossain, M. Y., Ahmed, Z. F., Leunda, P. M., Islam, A. K. M. R., Jasmine, S., Oscoz, J., Miranda, R., & Ohtomi, J. (2006). Length-weight and length-length relationships of some small indigenous fish species from the Mathabhanga River, southwestern Bangladesh. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 22, 301–303. Hossain, M. Y., Hossen, M. A., Pramanik, M. N. U., Ahmed, Z. F., Hossain, M. A., & Islam, M. M. (2016). Length–weight and length–length relationships of three Ambassid fishes from the Ganges River (NW Bangladesh). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 32, 1279–1281. Hossain, M. Y., Hossen, M. A., Pramanik, M. N. U., Ahmed, Z. F., Yahya, K., Rahman, M. M., & Ohtomi, J. (2015). Threatened fishes of the world: Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) (Perciformes: Anabantidae). Croatian Journal of Fisheries, 73, 128–131. Hossain, M. Y., Hossen, M. A., Pramanik, M. N. U., Nawer, F., Ahmed, Z. F., Yahya, K., Rahman, M. M., & Ohtomi, J. (2015). Threatened fishes of the world: Labeo calbasu (Hamilton, 1822) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Croatian Journal of Fisheries, 73, 134–136. Hossain, M. Y., Hossen, M. A., Yahya, K., Islam, M. M., Islam, M. A., Ahmed, K. K. U., & Begum, M. (2015). Threatened fishes of the world: Ompok pabda (Hamilton, 1822) Siluriformes: Siludidae). Croatian Journal of Fisheries, 73, 183–185. Hossain, M. Y., Jewel, M. A. S., Nahar, L., Rahman, M. M., Naif, A., & Ohtomi, J. (2012). Gonadosomatic index-based size at first sexual maturity of the catfish Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822) in the Ganges River (NW Bangladesh). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 28, 601–605. Hossain, M. Y., Khatun, M. M., Jasmine, S., Rahman, M. M., Jahan, S., Jewel, M. A. S., & Ohtomi, J. (2013). Life-history traits of the threatened freshwater fish Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton 1822) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in the Ganges River, Northwestern Bangladesh. Sains Malaysiana, 42, 1219–1229. Hossain, M. Y., Leunda, P. M., Ohtomi, J., Ahmed, Z. F., Oscoz, J., & Miranda, R. (2008). Biological aspects of the Ganges River sprat Corica soborna (Clupeidae) in the Mathabhanga River (SW Bangladesh). Cybium, 32, 241–246. Hossain, M. Y., Ohtomi, J., & Ahmed, Z. F. (2009). Morphometric, meristic characteristics and conservation of the threatened fish, Puntius sarana (Hamilton 1822) (Cyprinidae) in the Ganges River, northwestern Bangladesh. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 9, 223–225. Hossain, M. Y., Rahman, M. M., & Abdallah, E. M. (2012). Relationships between body size, weight, condition and fecundity of the threatened fish Puntius ticto (Hamilton, 1822) in the Ganges River, Northwestern Bangladesh. Sains Malaysiana, 41, 803–814. Hossain, M. Y., Rahman, M. M., Abdallah, E. M., & Ohtomi, J. (2013). Biometric relationships of the Pool Barb Puntius sophore (Hamilton 1822) (Cyprinidae) from three major Rivers of Bangladesh. Sains Malaysiana, 42, 1571–1580. Hossain, M. Y., Rahman, M. M., Ahamed, F., Ahmed, Z. F., & Ohtomi, J. (2014). Length-weight and length-length relationships and form factor of three threatened fishes from the Ganges River (NW Bangladesh). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 30, 221–224. Hossain, M. Y., Rahman, M. M., Fulanda, B., Jewel, M. A. S., Ahamed, F., & Ohtomi, J. (2012). Length–weight and length–length relationships of five threatened fish species from the Jamuna (Brahmaputra River tributary) River, northern Bangladesh. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 28, 275–277. Hossain, M. Y., Rahman, M. M., Jewel, M. A. S., Ahmed, Z. F., Ahamed, F., Fulanda, B., & Ohtomi, J. (2012). Conditions-and form-factor of the five threatened fishes from the Jamuna (Brahmaputra River distributary) River, Northern Bangladesh. Sains Malaysiana, 41(6), 671–678. Hossain, M. Y., Sayed, S. R. M., Rahman, M. M., Ali, M. M., Hossen, M. A., Elgorban, A. M., Ahmed, Z. F., & Ohtomi, J. (2015). Length-weight relationships of nine fish species from the Tetulia River, southern Bangladesh. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 31, 967–969. Hossen, M. A., Hossain, M. Y., Yahya, K., & Pramanik, M. N. U. (2015). Threatened fishes of the world: Labeo bata (Hamilton, 1822 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Croatian Journal of Fisheries, 73, 89–91. Hossen, M. A., Paul, A. K., Hossain, M. Y., Ohtomi, J., Sabbir, W., Rahman, O., Jasmin, J., Khan, M. N., Islam, M. A., Rahman, M. A., Khatun, D., & Kamaruzzaman, S. (2019). Estimation of biometric indices for Snakehead Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793) through multi-model Inferences. Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences, 12, 197–202. Hossen, M. A., Rahman, M. A., Hossain, M. Y., Islam, M. A., Hasan, M. R., Mawa, Z., & Ohtomi, J. (2019). Estimation of relative growth of Minor carp Labeo bata (Cyprinidae) through multi-linear dimensions. Lakes & Reservoir: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use, 24, 302–307. Ishikawa, T., & Tachihara, K. (2012). Reproductive biology, growth, and age composition of non-native Indian glassy fish Parambassis ranga (Hamilton, 1822) in Haebaru Reservoir, Okinawa-jima Island, Southern Japan. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 28, 231–237. | HOSSAIN et Al. Islam, M. R., Azom, M. G., Faridullah, M., & Mamun, M. (2017). Lengthweight relationship and condition factor of 13 fish species collected from the Atrai and Brahmaputra rivers, Bangladesh. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 10, 123–133. IUCN (2018). IUCN red list of threatened species. Version 2018.1. IUCN 2018. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded in August 2018. IUCN. Jayaram, K. C. (1999). The freshwater fishes of the Indian region. Narendra Publishing House. Kapoor, D., Dayal, R., & Ponniah, A. G. (2002). Fish biodiversity of India (p. 775). National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources Lucknow. Karna, S. K., Katselis, G. N., & Jawad, L. A. (2018). Length-weight relationship of 24 fish species (Actinopoterygii) from Hirakud Reservoir, Odisha state of India. Acta Ichthyologica Et Piscatoria, 48, 83–86. Khatun, D., Hossain, M. Y., Rahman, M. A., Islam, M. A., Rahman, O., Sharmin, M. S., Parvin, M. F., Haque, A. T. U., & Hossain, M. A. (2019). Life-history traits of the climbing perch Anabas testeudineus (Bloch, 1792) in a wetland ecosystem. Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences, 12, 175–182. Le Cren, E. D. (1951). The length-weight relationship and seasonal cycle in gonad weight and condition in the perch (Perca fluviatilis). Journal of Animal Ecology, 20, 201–219. Menon, A. G. K. (1999). Check list - fresh water fishes of India. Rec. Zoological Survey. India, Misc. Publication., Occasional Paper No. 175, 1–366. Mills, D., & Vevers, G. (1989). The Tetra encyclopedia of freshwater tropical aquarium fishes (p. 208). Tetra Press. Parvin, M. F., Hossain, M. Y., Sarmin, M. S., Khatun, D., Rahman, M. A., Rahman, O., Islam, M. A., & Sabbir, W. (2018). Morphometric and meristic characteristics of Salmostoma bacaila (Hamilton, 1822) (Cyprinidae) from the Ganges River in northwestern Bangladesh. Jordan Journal of Biological Science, 11, 533–536. Pauly, D., & Munro, J. L. (1984). Once more on the comparison of growth in fish and invertebrates. ICLARM: International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management, Fishbyte, 2, 21. 11 Peterson, I., & Wroblewski, J. S. (1984). Mortality rates of fishes in the pelagic ecosystem. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 41, 1117–1120. Rahman, A. K. A. (1989). Freshwater fishes of Bangladesh (p. 364). Zoological Society of Bangladesh. Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka. Rahman, M. A., Hasan, M. R., Hossain, M. Y., Islam, M. A., Khatun, D., Rahman, O., Mawa, Z., Islam, M. S., Chowdhury, A. A., Parvin, M. F., & Khatun, H. (2019). Morphometric and meristic characteristics of the Asian stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794): A key for its identification. Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences, 12, 467–470. Rainboth, W. J. (1996). Fishes of the Cambodian Mekong. FAO species identification field guide for fishery purposes (p. 265). FAO. Sokal, R. R., & Rohlf, F. J. (1987). Introduction to biostatistics (2nd ed.). Freeman Publication. Talwar, P. K., & Jhingran, A. G. (1991). Inland fishes of India and adjacent countries (Vol. 1, pp. 541). A.A. Balkema. Templeman, W. (1987). Differences in sexual maturity and related characteristics between populations of thorny skate (Raja radiate) from the northwest Atlantic. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Science, 7, 155–167. Tesch, F. W. (1968). Age and growth. In W. E. Ricker (Ed.), Methods for assessment of fish production in freshwaters. Blackwell Scientific Publications. How to cite this article: Hossain MY, Hossen MA, Mawa Z, et al. Life-history traits of three Ambassid fishes (Chanda nama, Parambassis lala and Parambassis ranga) from the Mathabhanga River, southwestern Bangladesh. Lakes & Reserv. 2021;00:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12354