Feeding Ecology and Bio-indices of Pomadasys maculatus (Bloch, 1793) from Hooghly-Matlah Estuary, West Bengal, India

VERMA JINAL MADANLAL; SUDHIR KUMAR DAS; ANWESHA MONDAL; RINCHEN NOPU BHUTIA

doi:10.54894/JISCAR.44.1.2026.180839

Authors

VERMA JINAL MADANLAL Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata -700 094, West Bengal, India
SUDHIR KUMAR DAS The authors do not report any conflicting interests.
ANWESHA MONDAL Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata -700 094, West Bengal, India
RINCHEN NOPU BHUTIA ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Canning Town - 743 329, West Bengal, India

https://doi.org/10.54894/JISCAR.44.1.2026.180839

Keywords:

Diet composition, Feeding indices, Hooghly-Matlah estuary, Pomadasys maculatus

Abstract

The present study investigated the seasonal variation in bio-indices, feeding intensity, and diet composition of Pomadasys maculatus (Bloch, 1793) from the Hooghly- Matlah estuary, West Bengal, India. A total of 492 specimens, ranging from 97-190 mm in total length and 14.07-123.31g in body weight, were analysed over a one-year period (February 2022 to January 2023). Indices viz., Relative length of gut (RLG), Gastro-somatic index (GaSI), Hepato-somatic index (HSI), Gonado-somatic index (GnSI), Stomach fullness index (SFI), and Vacuity index (VI), were evaluated to understand feeding ecology and reproductive condition. The RLG ranged from 0.70 to 0.77 with no significant seasonal variation, confirming the carnivorous feeding habit of the species. Significant seasonal variations (p < 0.05) were observed in GaSI, HSI, GnSI, SFI, and VI, indicating marked changes in feeding activity, energy allocation, and reproductive status. GnSI attained its highest values during the post-monsoon season, suggesting peak gonadal maturation and spawning, whereas GaSI and SFI were lowest during the monsoon, reflecting reduced feeding activity during reproduction. Of the stomachs examined, 59.15% contained food, while 40.85% were empty, with an overall mean vacuity index of 40.87%. Gut content analysis revealed that crustaceans constituted the dominant prey, with semi- digested shrimp, Acetes spp., shrimp remains, fish remains, and semi-digested fish being the principal dietary components. Seasonal variations in prey composition indicated shifts in prey availability and feeding preference, while cluster analysis demonstrated high dietary similarity (70 - 75%) between the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The study demonstrates that feeding activity and energy allocation in P. maculatus are closely linked with seasonal reproductive cycles and confirms its role as a carnivorous predator in the Hooghly-Matlah estuary. These findings provide important baseline information for understanding the trophic ecology of the species and support ecosystem - based fisheries management and conservation of estuarine fish resources.

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