The length-weight relationship, condition factor and reproductive biology of Pseudotolithus (p) senegalensis (valenciennes, 1833) (croakers), in Tombo western rural district of Sierra Leone

Abstract

The length – weight relationship (LWR), condition factor (K), sex ratio, gonadosomatic index (G S I) and hepatosomatic index (H S I) of 412 specimens of Pseudotolithu s s enegalensis (Valenciennes, 1833) from Tombo , a coastal fishing community in the western rural district of Sierra Leone were studied for twelve months . Samples used for the study were collected from the catches of artisanal fishers and measurement s of length and weight of samples were done in situ using the facilities of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. Samples for the reproductive study were preserved in an ice box and taken to the laboratory of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Njala University , Sierra Leone for analysis. The parameters "a" and "b" of the length - weight relationship were estimated using the equation described by Ricker ( W = aL b ) while the condition factor was calculated using Fulton`s equation (K = W1 00 / L 3 ) . The reproductive biology of the fish was estimated using Gonadosomatic index ( GSI ) and Hepatosomatic index ( H S I ) . The combined LWR for both sexes showed that a, b and r values were – 2.57 , 3. 3 5 and 0. 899 , respectively. The r – values obtained show a strong linear relationship between the length and weight of the species. The length - weight relationship indicated allometric growth for P . senegalensis in the study area. The condition factor (K) varied from 0.64 – 1.0 ; this may be attributed to environmental conditions of the water . The species clearly exhibited a positive allometric growth pattern ( tα ( 2) , 0.05, 411 > 1.965) . The sex ratio of males to females was 1:1. 15 and was not significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio. Estimation of GSI and HSI was carried out from December, 2010 to May, 2011 to determine the spawning behaviour of P. senegalensis . The mean GSI obtained indicate d that March and April , respectively are the two peak spawning period for the species . Gonado somatic index ranged between 1.1 % and 2.8% for the females. The results of this study revealed that P. senegalensis doe s not have obligatory spawning month but exhibit multiple spawning behaviour. T he length - w eight relationships and condition factor of the study indicated that the fish were thriving very well in the coastal water of Sierra Leone. Sustainable management of the species , therefore , require s that the environment be protected against anthropogenic pollution and imposition of closed fishing season especially during the t wo peak spawning period is recommended to enable the species recruit effectively.