Abstract
This study describes the length-weight relationships (LWR) and condition factors of six fish species from six families of ecological and economic importance, found in Atbara River and Khashm el- Girba reservoir. A total of 1118 specimens were caught by using various mesh size of gill nets from January, 2007 to December, 2007. The growth coefficient (b) values obtained for the six fish species ranged between 2.278 for Clarias lazera and 3.680 for Bagrus bayad and differed significantly (p<0.005) from 3, which indicates that most of the fish species (61.1%) have negative allometric growth. The condition factors (K) of the fish species ranged from (0.506±0.416) in Clarias lazera to (3.415±0.707) in Oreochromis niloticus and about 83.3% of these condition factors fall outside the range recommended as suitable for matured fresh water fish species in the tropics.
Highlights
Data on the length and weight of fish have commonly been analysed to yield biological information
This study describes the length-weight relationships (LWR) and condition factors of six fish species from six families of ecological and economic importance, found in Atbara River and Khashm el- Girba reservoir
Data on functional LWR of fish species is important for fish stock assessment and parameters a and b can be used for length-weight conversion [17]
Summary
Data on the length and weight of fish have commonly been analysed to yield biological information. The length-weight relationship (LWR) is very important for proper exploitation and management of the population of fish species [6]. Standing crop biomass can be estimated [26] and seasonal variations in fish growth can be tracked this way [31] the length-weight parameters of the same species may be different in the population because of feeding, reproduction activities and fishing etc. Data on functional LWR of fish species is important for fish stock assessment and parameters a and b can be used for length-weight conversion [17]. The relationship of length-weight estimates condition factor (c.f.) of the fish species and fish biomass through the length frequency [12]. Condition factor is a useful index for monitoring of feeding intensity, age, and growth rates
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