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¹ Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
² Freshwater Station, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Mymensingh-2201, Bangladesh
³ Habiganj Agricultural University, Habiganj-3300, Bangladesh
⁴ Department of Aquaculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh
⁵ Laboratory of Fish Ecophysiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2201, Bangladesh DOI : 10.4194/AQUAST2714 Viewed : 350 - Downloaded : 858 This study investigates the growth and reproductive biology of the Striped snakehead (Channa striata) inhabiting the drought-stressed Atrai River system in the northwestern Bangladesh. A total of 239 wild specimens were collected monthly from April 2022 to March 2023 across three riverine stations using traditional fishing gears. Standard morphometric measurements were recorded, and gonads were dissected, weighed, and preserved for macroscopic and histological examination. Growth were assessed through length–weight relationships (LWR), condition factor (K), and allometric test, while reproductive traits were evaluated using sex ratio, gonadosomatic index (GSI), ova diameter, fecundity, modeling of size at first sexual maturity (L₅₀) and hematoxylin–eosin based histological analysis. The results revealed significant negative allometric growth (b<3.0) in both sexes and pronounced seasonal variation in growth and physiological condition. Fulton's condition factor (K) was highest in the post-monsoon period (September) and lowest during the breeding season (April–July). Female GSI and fecundity peaked sharply during April–June, with maximum GSI values in May (7.12±2.29) and the highest fecundity recorded during the same period (~33,833 eggs). Ova diameter also reached its peak in June (~12.9 μm), and histological analysis showed a dominance of mature and spawning gonads (Stages III–IV) only during May–July, whereas dry-season months contained only immature or early maturing stages. These findings confirm that C. striata in the Atrai River spawns almost exclusively during the early monsoon season. The study provides critical baseline information for conservation planning, broodstock management, and sustainable aquaculture development of C. striatain climate-impacted freshwater ecosystems. Keywords : Channa striata Growth pattern Reproductive biology Gonadal maturity Bangladesh