Journal of Biology and Nature

This study characterised the morphometric and meristic features of Trichogaster fasciata collected from selected freshwater habitats in Kaimur district, Bihar, India. Thirty specimens were examined to assess body proportions, meristic counts, length–weight relationships, and length–length relationships for taxonomic and comparative evaluation. Ten morphometric variables were measured using digital callipers, and body weight was recorded using an electronic balance. Meristic assessment was based on fin-ray counts. Descriptive statistics, including minimum, maximum, mode, mean ± standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals, were used to summarise the measurements, and linear regression was used to examine length–length relationships. Total length ranged from 5.6 to 7.7 cm, with a mean of 6.93 ± 0.51 cm, while body weight ranged from 3.0 to 11.0 g. Standard length represented 78.35% of total length. The recorded fin formula was dorsal XV–XVI/9–13, pectoral IX, pelvic XIV–XVII, anal 12–18, and caudal XV–XVI/14–15. The length–weight relationship indicated near-isometric growth, with the growth exponent close to 3. Strong positive relationships were also observed among the measured length variables, indicating consistent proportionality across body dimensions. Overall, the findings provide regional baseline information on the morphology, meristic characteristics, and biometric relationships of T. fasciata from eastern India. These data may support taxonomic comparison, biodiversity documentation, and future population-level studies of freshwater fishes in Bihar and neighbouring regions.