DefinePK

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the morphometric and meristic characteristics, length–weight relationships, and distribution of Mastacembelus armatus (Spiny eel) from a primary tributary of the River Indus in Swabi, Pakistan, with the aim of generating baseline biological data for this commercially and ecologically important species. A total of 159 specimens were sampled between May and July from five sites: Shiekh Dheri (Site I), Salah (Site II), Tano (Site III), Zaida (Site IV), and Rana Dheri (Site V). Fourteen morphometric and six meristic traits were analyzed. The specimens ranged from 9.3–62 cm in length and 9.5–470 g in weight. The length–weight relationships varied across sites, with regression equations: Log BW = –4.8887 + 2.7524 Log TL (Site I), –2.4396 + 1.8442 Log TL (Site II), –1.0910 + 1.3458 Log TL (Site III), –4.8866 + 2.7106 Log TL (Site IV), and –5.9125 + 3.1301 Log TL (Site V). Growth was more satisfactory at Shiekh Dheri (Site I) compared to Salah (Site II) and Tano (Site III). Seasonal distribution indicated 49 specimens in May, 73 in June, and 37 in July, with percentage distributions of 18.23% (Site I), 18.23% (Site II), 15.72% (Site III), 25.15% (Site IV), and 22.64% (Site V). This study was undertaken to provide scientific information that can support conservation planning, stock assessment, and sustainable fisheries management of M. armatus. The findings will serve as a reference for future ecological monitoring and may guide policymakers in developing strategies to maintain population stability and protect aquatic biodiversity in the River Indus system.
Keywords: Classification; Fish; Mastacembelus armatus; Meristic; Morphomet
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2025.140082