Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Indian major carps of Vallabhsagar Reservoir, Gujarat, India

Abstract

The present study elucidated the length-weight relationship and condition factor of the Indian major carps catla Catla catla, rohu Labeo rohita and mrigala Cirrhinus mrigala from the Vallabhsagar Reservoir, Gujarat. The mean total lengths (TL) recorded for the three species during the study were, 40.734±0.614, 39.285±0.892 and 38.010±0.925 cm while mean weights (WT) recorded were 914.141±46.672, 969.306±93.738 and 635.714±51.129 g for catla, rohu and mrigal, respectively. The length and weight variables showed linear relationship as depicted by correlation coefficient (r) values of 0.987 in catla, 0.956 in rohu and 0.967 in mrigal. Growth in the three species was found to be positive allometric and exponent values (b) obtained were 3.104, 3.342 and 3.049 for catla, rohu and mrigal respectively. The condition factor (K) and relative condition factor (Kn) estimated revealed the well being of fish and conducive environment of the reservoir. Results of the study provided baseline information which would be helpful for the scientific management of Indian major carp fisheries in the Vallabhsagar Reservoir in Gujarat.