Age and growth patterns in Channa marulius from Harike Wetland (A Ramsar site), Punjab, India

Scale samples of Channa marulius were collected and studied for age determination and calculation of growth parameters. The fish were sampled from Harike Wetland during 1998 to 1999. Linear relationship with a high degree of correlation was observed between total fish length and the lateral scale radius. Age determination studies revealed 5 age groups. The harvestable size falls just below the 2nd year. The regression equation is given. Various growth parameters indicate a hardy nature of the fish and the suitability of habitat ecology for its optimum growth.