Length-weight analysis of three needlefish species from the Lakshadweep archipelago

Abstract

Length-weight relationships (LWRs) of three needlefishes belonging to the family Belonidae viz., Ablennes hians, Tylosurus crocodilus and Tylosurus acus melanotus were estimated based on samples exploited from a gill-net fishery in Androth, an island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. The estimated allometric co-efficient b value ranged from 3.047 (T. acus melanotus) to 3.274 (A. hians), and r2 value ranged from 0.911 (T. acus melanotus) to 0.973 (A. hians). The first estimate of LWR for these three commercially exploited needlefish species from the Lakshadweep islands indicate local populations to be fairly robust and forms a basis for future management of fishing stock in the region.