Articles
Life history patterns of some selected endemic freshwater fish species inhabiting two major river basins of Sri Lanka
Authors:
R. R. A. Ramani Shirantha ,
University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya 11600, LK
About R. R. A. Ramani
Department of Zoology and Environmental Management
Inland Aquatic Resources and Aquaculture Division, National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency, Crow Island, Colombo 15
M. Jayantha S. Wijeyaratne,
University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya 11600, LK
About M. Jayantha S.
Department of Zoology and Environmental Management
Upali S. Amarsinghe
University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya 11600, LK
About Upali S.
Department of Zoology and Environmental Management
Abstract
Life history information on six endemic fish species namely Belontia signata, Pethiya cumingii, P. nigrofasciata, Puntius titteya, Rasboroides vaterifloris and Garra ceylonensis inhabiting the Kalu Ganga and Kelani Ganga river basins in Sri Lanka was evaluated. The growth constant of the fish species showed a positive relationship with the river order where they inhabited. The length at 50% maturity (Lm) significantly correlated with the asymptotic length and growth constant indicating that fishes with slow growth become sexually mature late in their life cycles. The optimal lengths for sustainable exploitation of the fish species studied were significantly (p<0.01) correlated with asymptotic lengths and lengths at 50% maturity whereas negatively correlated with natural mortality. This analysis indicated that Lm was a foremost function of size of fish apart from maximum length observed (Lmax,) and that Lm and Lmax can be used as deterministic variables for quantifying optimal size of exploitation for sustainability and conservation of fish populations.
How to Cite:
Shirantha, R.R.A.R., Wijeyaratne, M.J.S. and Amarsinghe, U.S., 2018. Life history patterns of some selected endemic freshwater fish species inhabiting two major river basins of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences, 23(1), pp.77–84. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v23i1.7548
Published on
01 Mar 2018.
Peer Reviewed
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