REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY ASPECT OF FRESHWATER GARFISH Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton, 1822) FOUND IN THE RIVER OF SYLHET

Abstract

A recent study concerning the some reproductive biology of the freshwater garfish Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton 1822) has been carried out in the eastern part of the Bangladesh. Specimens of the fish were collected over a 1-year period, 2013. Their length varied between 20.2 to 23.91 cm (mean ± SD = 20.57 ± 2.59) and their weight varied between 19.7 to 43.845(mean ± SD =30.21788892 ± 8.115. Female garfish were dominant in larger length groups being most apparent during the resting phase of sexual cycle and in the peak of the spawning period, occurring in April and May. The sexual ratio of all specimens was m/f = 0.70. Spawning began in April and peaking June. The mean batch fecundity of garfish was 1789.6898 ±347.0589209 of matured oocytes per ovary.