Growth Dynamics of Selected Barb Species on the Basis of Morphometric Variability from Eastern Ghats of Southern Odisha, India

Barbs, a diverse group within the Cyprinidae family, are ecologically and economically significant, showing high inter- and intraspecific plasticity. This study assessed growth variation in five species—Puntius sophore, P. ticto, P. conchonius, P. amphibius, and P. dorsalis—from three stretches of the Kolab River (Duruguda, Kanheiput, Ghatguda) and Jagannath Sagar in Koraput, Eastern Ghats of Odisha. Specimens per species, collected between August 2019 and May 2020, were analyzed for 21 morphometric traits using Vernier calipers (0.1 mm precision). Total Length (TL) and Head Length (HL) served as independent variables. Most traits showed significant variation with TL, and some with HL. High R² values indicated strong model fit, while regression coefficients (b < 3) suggested negative allometric growth. Correlation analysis revealed mostly significant positive relationships, with a few species-specific exceptions.The present study is f irst of its kind, on the growth dynamics of barbs from Koraput, which provides valuable insights into the growth of selected species and contributes to biodiversity conservation and effective fisheries management.