Morphometric and Meristic Characterization of the Striped Snakehead, Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) from Nagapur Dam, Parli (V), Beed District, Maharashtra, India
Somnath B. Choure
PG Department and Zoology Research Centre, Mrs. K.S.K. College Beed, India.
Anil N. Shelke *
PG Department and Zoology Research Centre, Mrs. K.S.K. College Beed, India.
Meghraj S. More
Department of Zoology, Maulana Azad College of A.S.C, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The striped snakehead, Channa striata, is a commercially and ecologically significant freshwater fish species in India. This study provides a comprehensive morphometric and meristic analysis of its population in Nagapur Dam, Parli Vaijnath, Beed District, Maharashtra. A total of 176 specimens were collected from January 2023 to December 2024. Sixteen morphometric characters and five meristic counts were recorded. The population showed a wide size range, with total length (TL) from 15.2 to 55.0 cm and body weight (BW) from 32.5 to 1380.5 g. The length-weight relationship was determined as W = 0.021L³.⁰⁵, indicating positive allometric growth (b > 3). Linear regression analysis revealed highly significant (p < 0.001) relationships between TL and all other morphometric characters, with coefficients of determination (R²) exceeding 0.98 for most parameters, demonstrating strong morphological integration. Meristic counts were stable, with dorsal fin rays (DFR) ranging from 37-45 and pelvic fin rays (PFR) showing 97.7% consistency at 6 rays. The results confirm a healthy, well-adapted population and establish crucial baseline data for the sustainable management and future monitoring of this valuable fishery resource in Nagapur Dam.
Keywords: Channa striata, morphometry, meristic counts, length-weight relationship, allometric growth, fishery management