Biometric Characteristics based assessment of habitat suitability for the growth of a cold water cyprinid golden Mahseer (Tor putitora)

Abstract

Uttarakhand state is blessed with a number of water bodies which harbour Golden mahseer having high ecological and economic importance. In this milieu, the present study investigated the patterns of length weight relationship and condition factor (K) of Tor putitora in different habitats. The sampling sites included two lotic, two lentic water body and one captive stock of the target fish i.e. River Kosi, River Saryu, Nanak Sagar, Lake Bhimtal and captive stock of DCFR Farm, Bhimtal. The results suggested that lotic systems had a remarkable larger size of Golden mahseer as compared to lentic ecosystems. Biometrics revealed that the fish of River Kosi had isometric growth pattern having growth coefficient of 3.013 and the condition factor of 1.45. River Saryu had highest the condition factor supporting the fact that lotic ecosystems provide a better and rather conducive habitat for the growth of Golden mahseer. Reservoir population had the least average size, b value and condition factor due to water abstraction and altered flow of the system. The value of condition factor is more than 0.5 in all the five populations thereby indicating a general well-being of the fish.