Unique Behaviour-Driven Fishing Strategy of Freshwater Mullet, Rhinomugil Corsula (Hamilton, 1822) in Lower and Estuarine Stretch of River Ganga

Fishing strategy of Rhinomugil corsula in river Ganga

Abstract

The freshwater grey mullet, Rhinomugil corsula, exhibits distinctive behaviors in its habitat. Based on these behaiour patterns, eight novel capture strategies have been noticed for catching this species in the lower and estuary zones of the Ganges River. Fishers take advantage of the attraction to light by this species by using traditional gear such as ‘Set barrier’ and ‘Cast net’, along with light traps at night. The tendency of the fish to leap when escaping has inspired the use of an aerial trap called ’Chali tana’ in Nabadwip. Their habit of schooling and swimming at the surface is exploited with various modified lift nets – ‘Chhita’ or ’Chowki jal’ in Buxar and Patna, Bihar, and ‘Khancha’ in Roychak, West Bengal. The small mesh gill net, known as ’Corsula jaal’, is effective when water is disturbed with a boat’s oar, forcing the mullet to dive and become caught in the net. Other behaviors, like gathering in whirlpools or near drainage outlets, aid in using the scoop net, ’Thopa jal’, in Tribeni. Juveniles of R. corsula are also collected alive near shorelines or drains using push nets and seine nets, for subsequent cultivation in ponds. This study sheds light on specific fishing techniques informed by the mullet’s behavior, enhancing management of this valuable species in the wild and for aquaculture purposes.