Growth, Condition, Mortality and Exploitation Status of Elongated Mudskipper, Pseudapocryptes elongatus (Cuvier, 1816) from Indian Sundarbans Mudflats: Implications for Fisheries Management, Aquaculture and Conservation

The present study investigates the demographic characteristics of economically, ecologically and medicinally important mudskipper species, Pseudapocryptes elongatus (Cuvier, 1816) from Indian Sundarbans, based on data collected over 15 consecutive months. Length-frequency data of 945 individuals collected from the Indian Sundarbans were analyzed using a FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tool. Length–weight relationships analysis showed negative allometric growth in P. elongatus population. Condition factor indicated the well–being of the population in the study area. The von Bertalanffy growth curve showed six growth cohorts, higher growth coefficient (K = 0.62 yr−1) and growth parameter index (Ø′ = 2.48). The elongated mudskipper population can grow faster and achieve a large asymptotic length (L∞) of 24.15 cm and thus could be a potential candidate for aquaculture in India. There were two recruitments bouts per year. The higher natural mortality rate (M = 1.39 yr−1) than the fishing mortality rate (F = 0.43 yr−1) with exploitation level (E = 0.24) below the optimum level indicates that the state of the stock is sustainable under current harvesting strategy. Present level of harvesting also offers an excellent fishing opportunity for fishers to increase their yield. We therefore suggest the implementation of new harvesting methods to increase the yield. Additionally owing to the rich taste and high nutrient content of P. elongatus it is also important to focus on the aquaculture of this species, particularly in India based on the information provided in present study and the information available from other parts of the world. Present study also has conservation significance as the study species is as an indicator species of the mangrove ecosystem.