Length‐weight relationships of 12 dominant fish species from a Ramsar Wetland in India: Vembanad Lake

Abstract

AbstractThe present study describes the length‐weight relationships (LWRs) of 12 dominant finfish species from Vembanad Lake, India, from June 2015 to May 2016. Samples were carried out using a wide range of fishing gears such as gill nets (mesh sizes 20–60 mm), seine nets (mesh sizes 8–16 mm), cast nets (mesh sizes 6–8 mm) and hook and lines. The values of the exponent b ranged from 2.506 (Glossogobius giuris) to 3.305 (Heteropneustes fossilis) and regression parameters R2 from .960 (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) to .995 (G. giuris). The study reports the new maximum total length (TLmax) for Hyporhamphus xanthopterus and first reference regarding length‐weight relationships for Mystus oculatus, Ompok malabaricus and C. travancoricus. The results provide useful information for preparing sustainable resource management plans and conservation strategies for these species in the lake and similar ecosystems.