Vol. 9, Special Issue 6, Part C (2024)

Author(s): Nanjala Veerabhadra Rao, Paulraj Jawahar, Natarajan Jayakumar, Hari Prasad Mohale and Thriveni K

Abstract: In the present study, the stock assessment of endemic Deccan catfish, Rita Kuturnee fish species were investigated in the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh from February 2022 to July 2023. The length and weight relationship of R. Kuturnee revealed a negative allometric (b<3) growth for both male and female. The 'b' regression coefficient for R. Kuturnee male, female, and pooled sex was 2.56, 2.53 and 2.61, respectively. The growth parameters Asymptotic length (L∞) and Growth coefficient (K) for R. Kuturnee were calculated using the ELEFAN I algorithm. The asymptotic length for R. Kuturnee it was 19.42 cm. The growth coefficient was estimated 0.55 for R. Kuturnee. The mortality rates namely total instantaneous mortality rate (Z), fishing mortality rate (F) and natural mortality rate (M) were calculated to be 1.95, 0.61, and 1.34 for R. Kuturnee. The present estimated exploitation ratio of R. Kuturnee (E = 0.31 yearˉˡ) were lower than the optimum exploitation ratio (E) of 0.5. The length at initial capture, recruitment pattern, Virtual Population Analysis (VPA), total stock, yearly catch and MSY and fmsy, and Yield isopleths were described in detail in this research study. The present study forms a baseline report on R. Kuturnee, which helps in the planning for fishery management and conservation strategies.