Feeding and reproduction of striped snakehead Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) inhabiting the Gangetic river system

The striped snakehead Channa striata is a valuable food fish and has high market value. feeding natural breeding grounds of this economically important species have been reduced due to increasing anthropogenic activities habitat alterations in the Gangetic River system. present study was undertaken assess reproductive biology C. striata, which widely distributed India many other Asian countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, China, etc.). A total 400 specimens were collected from three sites on different rivers Uttar Pradesh, India. Feeding habits, intensity, gonadosomatic index, fecundity, maturity stages based macroscopic studies, sex ratio examined. found be carnivorous (dominantly piscivorous). intensity varied according season size, with higher being observed during pre-spawning post-spawning seasons. system demonstrated that gamete maturation occurred May July. fecundity ranged 3652 48,450 eggs. Fecundity linearly correlated body length, weight, ovarian weight. average males females 1:3.2.