Length-weight Relationship Research Articles

Population parameters of golden ponyfish, Photopectoralis aureus and goldstripe ponyfish, Karalla daura from Saint Martin Island, Bay of Bengal

Golden ponyfish Photopectoralis aureus and Goldstripe ponyfish Karalla daura are small fish with less economic value. Many marine fish population parameters were not investigated because of their low commercial value. Therefore, the primary goals of this study were to determine the size frequency, length-weight relationship (LWR), length-length relationship (LLR), and Fulton’s condition factor (Kn) of two tropical ponyfishes from Saint Martin’s Island. From March to April 2022, specimens were caught using fixed purse nets. A total of 409 specimens of P. aureus and K. daura were measured to determine size frequency, LWRs, LLRs, and Fulton's condition factor. For P. aureus, the maximum total length (TL) of 12.9 cm sets a new record. The LWRs for P. aureus and K. daura were highly significant (p<0.001), where the coefficient of determination (r2) was 0.985 and 0.869 for P. aureus and K. daura, respectively. The estimated slope (b) for P. aureus and K. daura were 3.147 and 2.986, respectively. The LLR equations were TL = 1.1089 SL + 0.2689 for P. aureus and TL = 0.6792 SL + 3.3309 for K. daura. The Kn value had no significant difference between the species of different length classes for P. aureus (0.97-1.40) and K. daura (1.19-1.26). There has never been any prior reporting of LWRs or length-length relationships (LLRs) for P. aureus in literature or FishBase. The study's findings may benefit the management and conservation of these ponyfishes. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 1, April 2024: 105-114

Morphometric relationships of blue swimming crab (<em>Portunus pelagicus</em>, Linnaeus, 1758) caught in Negombo coastal waters in Sri Lanka.

Length-weight relationships provide information about the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) population for successful stock management. Morphometric measurements of Two hundred fifty (250) crab samples were obtained from April to November 2019, of which 128 were males, and 122 were females, showing a sex ratio of 1:1. Chi-square test indicated that the sex ratio was not significantly different from the expected value of 1:1 at 5% level of significance (χ2cal = 0.144, χ2tab = 3.84). Carapace width (CW) was measured at the nearest 0.001 cm using a vernier calliper, and total body weight (W) was measured at the nearest gram (g) using a digital scale. The carapace width of males ranged from 7.28 - 15.7 cm, whereas it varied from 3.06 - 15.8 cm in females. The body weight of male crabs varied from 22.45 - 334.6 g, and females had a range from 23.0 - 275.35 g. Length-weight relationships for male and female crabs were W=0.0495CW3.0469 (R2=0.8526) and W=0.063CW2.9428 (R2=0.8179) respectively. Student’s t-test showed that the growth of male crabs was positive allometric (t = 5.64, p<0.05) and negative allometric (t = -8.21, p<0.05) for females. The mean condition factors for males and females were 5.68±0.12 and 5.65±0.12, respectively, indicating no significant difference between males and females (p=0.882) by two-sample t-tests. Providing baseline data, the present study recommends further studies for successful utilization, development and management of this crab species as it has been recognized as a commercially valuable species with a high market demand.

Length-weight relationship of six species of Thryssa with emphasis on the biology ofThryssa mystax from Indian waters

Length-weight relationship of six species of Thryssa with emphasis on the biology ofThryssa mystax from Indian waters

Length-weight relation of three species of goatfish from the south-east Arabian Sea

Length-weight relation of three species of goatfish from the south-east Arabian Sea

Growth patterns and ecological classification of Tor tambra (Valenciennes 1842) in the Mamis River, Leuser Ecosystem Area, Aceh Province, Indonesia

Graphical Abstract Highlight Research 1. Tor tambra is the most dominant species other Tor species in Aceh Province, Indonesia. 2. The population of T. tambra has decreased significantly due to overfishing and environmental destruction. 3. This research aims to examine the habitat characteristics, growth patterns and condition factors of T. tambra. 4. Analysis of the length weight relationship of T. tambra revealed that the condition of the fish was stable . Abstract This research was aimed to examine the habitat characteristics, growth patterns and condition factors of T. tambra in the Mamis River, Leuser Ecosystem Area, Aceh, Indonesia. This research was conducted on the Mamis River in three different river conditions from July to August 2023. The ecological parameters of T. tambra were conducted by observing the main, broodstock, spawning, and nursery ground habitats based on diversity of catch size at a location, water quality, aquatic substrate, aquatic vegetation, and water shade. The growth pattern parameter was also analyzed to reveal the condition of T. tambra. The T. tambra habitat in the Mamis River includes broodstock and spawning habitat with the criteria from small to large rocks overgrown with Bryophytes, gravel and sand substrates, clear water color, slow to swift water currents, and river environment most of it is primary forest. In the main habitat, there is dominant riparian vegetation in the form of forest timber trees such as Pometia pinnata, Ficus fistulosa, Hydnocarpus castanea, and Aglaia tomentosa. The habitat for the juvenile is in the form of rocks, gravel substrate, clear water color, and fast water currents. In the nursery habitat, the dominant riparian vegetation is Balakata baccata. Based on the results of water quality analysis at the three stations, it shows that temperature, pH, DO, currents, BOD, COD are significantly different, but brightness levels are not significantly different. Based on the analysis of the length-weight relationship, it shows that the condition of the fish is stable with sufficient food availability.

Coexisting in the Surf Zone: Age and Feeding Habits of the Spotted Seabass (Dicentrarchus punctatus) and European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) on the Gulf of Cádiz Beaches (Southwest Iberian Peninsula)

Various commercial fish species utilize different coastal habitats as nurseries in their juvenile stages, with surf zones being particularly crucial due to the protection and abundant food resources they offer. Among the species that rely on these areas are the spotted seabass (Dicentrarchus punctatus) and the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). This study aimed to investigate the age and feeding habits of surf zone specimens of these species and explore their environmental adaptations. The average size for D. punctatus was 16.94 ± 4.05 cm, and for D. labrax, it was 23.23 ± 6.30 cm. The length–weight relationship for D. punctatus was TW = 0.013*TL2.885 (parameter a: 95% CI: 0.012–0.014; parameter b: 95% CI: 2.854–2.917), and for D. labrax, it was TW = 0.008*TL3.095 (parameter a: 95% CI: 0.006–0.009; parameter b: 95% CI: 3.040–3.151). In both D. punctatus (79.20%) and D. labrax (75.92%), the predominant age classes were 1+ and 2+. Significant variations in age class abundance were observed in D. punctatus based on the time of day, lunar phase, and season, while D. labrax showed variations only by season. A diet analysis revealed that both species primarily consume mysids and fish, with D. punctatus showing dietary variations related to the time of day, lunar phase, and season, and D. labrax showing variations with the time of day and season.

Length–weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Silver Pomfret (Pampus argenteus), Damanganga Estuary, Daman

A study was conducted on the length-weight relationship and condition factor of the commercially important fish, Silver Pomfret (Pampus argenteus), in the Damanganga estuary in Daman. Fish samples were collected from January 2021 to March 2021, with a total of 330 randomly sampled fish collected from fishermen. The average total length was 23.309±0.775 cm and the average total weight was 259.606±20.144 grams measured using standard methods. The 'b' value of Pampus argenteus showed a negative allometric (b<3.0) growth pattern, with the total length being positively correlated with the total weight of the fish (r²=0.829). The growth pattern was negative allometric while the Fulton condition factor (2.03±0.114) indicated good condition. Therefore, further studies on the length-weight relationship should focus on the sustainable management of the fisheries.

Evaluation of the Digestibility of Diets Containing Soy Okara in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fries Raised in a Controlled Environment in Benin

Aims: To evaluate the digestibility of diets containing soy okara in Clarias gariepinus fries. Study Design: Random complete block design. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Hydrology and Wetland Research, Faculty of Sciences and technics, University of Abomey-calavi, between June 2019 and July 2019. Methodology: Four diets containing different levels of soy okara (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) respectively noted T0, T1, T2 and T3 were tested. Twelve 40L tanks were randomly distributed into 04 batches with 03 repetitions for each of the 04 diets. The fries with an initial average weight of 10.47 +/- 2g were fed ad libitum three times a day (8 A.M., 12 P.M., 4 P.M.) for 30 days. Survival rate, cannibalism rate, average daily gain, specific growth rate, weight-length relationship, condition factor, consumption index, ingested protein, protein efficiency coefficient and digestive utilization coefficients were measured. Results: The specific growth rates (SGR) ranged between 2.25 +/- 0.165 and 2.58 +/- 0.115 with the best rate for the treatment containing 0% soy okara. The consumption index varied from 1.18 +/- 0.009 to 1.41 +/- 0.132 with the best index for the T3 treatment. Furthermore, the mortality rates were 0% for treatments containing 20% and 30% soy okara. The results indicate that it is possible to incorporate up to 30% soybean okara into the diet of Clarias gariepinus fry without hindering their zootechnical performance. The digestive protein utilization coefficients of the diets were calculated and are 95.12; 88.47; 92.21 and 90.37 for diets containing 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% soy okara respectively. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that among the different diets tested, treatment T2, containing 20% soy okara, proved to be the most favorable in terms of zootechnical performance. These results suggest that T2 treatment can be considered as a promising option for feeding Clarias gariepinus fries.

Application of ecotoxicological tools to evaluate the quality status of mangroves under restoration in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Ecotoxicological tools, namely biomarkers and bioassays, may provide insights on the ecological quality status of mangroves under restoration. We investigated how 1) physicochemical parameters and water bioassays using Artemia franciscana; and 2) quantification of sublethal (osmoregulatory capacity, biochemical, and oxidative stress) and individual biomarkers (density, length-weight relationship [LWR], parasitic prevalence) in the sentinel fiddler crab Minuca rapax, can improve restoration indicators in mangroves from the Yucatán Peninsula, Southern Gulf of Mexico. We showed that water quality was improved with restoration, but still presented toxicity. Regarding sublethal biomarkers, M rapax from restored areas lower osmotic regulatory capacity, higher oxidative stress, and showed lipid peroxidation. As to the individual biomarkers, the density, LWR, and the prevalence of parasites in M. rapax was higher in restored areas. The use of bioassays/biomarkers were useful as early warning indicators to better assess the health of mangroves under restoration.

Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factors of the Mantis Shrimp, Oratosquillina interrupta (Kemp 1911), in Bone Bay, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factors of the Mantis Shrimp, Oratosquillina interrupta (Kemp 1911), in Bone Bay, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FED PSIDIUM GUAJAVA AND MANGIFERA INDICA LEAF EXTRACT

The length weight relationship (LWR) of Clarias gariepinus fed Psidium guajava and Mangifera indica leaf extract was evaluated for six (6) months. A total of 420, eight (8) weeks old fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus was used for this study. Experimental fish were fed 40 % crude protein diet with inclusion of both leaf extracts at 0 %, 4 %, 6 %, and 8 %. Experimental fish were stocked in twenty-one 4ft by 4ft tarpaulin tanks half filled with borehole water, acclimation was done for 7 days during which they were fed commercial diet. Aqueous extract was done for both leaves and stored in plastic cans for further use. Weight and length of fish was measured biweekly and data was used to assess the length-weight relationship. The result of this study showed that the best weight was recorded in treatment 2 fed 4 % Psidium guajava extract and the least in treatment 5 fed 4 % Mangifera indica extract. The result on LWR revealed the regression coefficient ‘b’ to be from 17.68-20.40 which indicates a positive allometric growth, since ‘b’ value is more than 3. This further means that the fish samples in this study became heavier, stouter, deeper bodied or bigger as it increases in length i.e all parts of the fish increase in size proportionately with the length.

Length-weight relationships and biometry analysis of saddled seabream, Oblada melanurus (Linnaeus, 1758) in İzmir Bay (Central Aegean Sea of Türkiye)

The present study presents length-weight, length-length, length-girth relationships, and biometry of male and female specimens of saddled seabream, Oblada melanurus(Linnaeus, 1758), in the Turkish Aegean Sea. The length-length and length-weight relationships were calculated by measuring 516 individuals. The total length values of all male and female O. melanurus specimens were in the range of 17.2-30.7 and 18.5-30.0 cm, respectively, and the mean values were 21.84±2.04 and 22.44±2.12 cm, respectively. The length-weight relationships were W=0.0110TL3.057 for males, W=0.0114TL3.043 for females, and W=0.0089TL3.122 for all the specimens. The results denoted a high correlation (r²=0.966; p<0.001) in the length-length relationships. Furthermore, 287 individuals (105 females and 182 males) were examined for length-girth relationships and biometric analyses. Ten morphometric characters were analyzed to analyze biometry. In conclusion, no statistically significant differences were determined in morphology between the sexes (p<0.05).

Population dynamics and stock assessment of Queenfish (Scomberoides commersonnianus) from the marine waters of Bangladesh

AbstractThe Queenfish, Scomberoides commersonnianus, is a large commercial fish in Bangladesh. This is the first study on the Queenfish that aims to elucidate life history parameters and stock status to suggest authority for sustainable management and to support future research on this economically significant species in the region. We used three length‐based approaches to establish a standard for sustainable management of the fishery: (1) TropFishR to give the growth parameters and current exploitation status, (2) the length‐based Bayesian biomass estimation (LBB) to quantify stock biomass, (3) and Froese's sustainability indicators (LBI). The length–weight relationship of Queenfish was a negative allometric pattern (b = 2.84; R2 = 0.98). Growth parameters for Queenfish were L∞ = 124.22 cm, K = 0.31 year−1. Instantaneous total mortality Z = 0.71 year−1, instantaneous natural mortality M = 0.36 year−1, and instantaneous fishing mortality F = 0.35 year−1. Based on the LBB approach, the current estimated stock biomass was overexploited (B/BMSY = 0.65). We recommend strictly maintaining mesh size of nets to reduce harvest of immature fish shorter than 62 cm, while focusing harvest on fish 62–74 cm, to minimise recruitment and growth overfishing.

Age, Growth, and Otolith Morphometrics of Trachinus draco (L., 1758) and Trachinus radiatus (Cuvier, 1829) in the Eastern Mediterranean

Trachinus draco and Trachinus radiatus are two bycatch species of low commercial value and no sufficient knowledge on their biological features. In the present study, the weight–length relationship, age, growth, and ten otolith morphometric variables of these species were investigated in the southwestern Aegean Sea for the first time. Positive allometric and isometric growth in the weight were defined in T. draco and T. radiatus. The weight–length relationship was described by the parameters α = 0.002415 and b = 3.35745 in T. draco and α = 0.007582 and b = 3.09452 in T. radiatus. The von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were L∞ = 44.51 cm, k = 0.15 year−1, and t0 = −1.31 years for T. draco and L∞ = 58.47 cm, k = 0.16 year−1, and t0 = −0.78 years for T. radiatus. Ten otolith variables (radius, length, width, area, perimeter, roundness, circularity, form factor, rectangularity, and ellipticity) showed a significant relationship with size for both species, except the ellipticity in T. radiatus. The mean values of all the otolith variables were higher in T. radiatus than in T. draco. The otolith of T. radiatus was found to become more rectangular with size as compared to the otolith of T. radiatus. The results of this work can support further research on the behavioral and ecological features of the two species.

Summarizing quantile estimates of weight at length to compare condition: Geographic and temporal variation in Arctic Grayling

AbstractObjectiveWe developed a novel, simple approach to summarize variation in quantile regression estimates of weight at length across multiple levels of grouping factors (locations or years) and demonstrate its utility for comparing fish condition using Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus data. We compared condition among 28 geographic locations of Arctic Grayling populations and among 12 and 25 years for two populations.MethodsWe summarized variation among locations and among years within locations using percentiles (maximum, 75th, 50th, 25th, and minimum) of predicted quantiles of weight at length, allowing us to simplify the distributions of predicted quantiles of weight into highest to lowest fourths (quartiles) across locations or years. One part of this summary information, 75th percentiles of median (0.50 quantile) predicted weights at length across populations, is identical to summary statistics used to develop standard weight equations for computing relative weights. However, our approach avoids biases inherent in fitting a single standard weight equation and can accommodate among‐fish variation in weight at length via multiple quantiles when developing reference standards for comparative or diagnostic purposes. A selected new weight at length can be compared with the distribution of quantile predictions among locations in terms of weights or as proportionate weights similar to relative weight.ResultArctic Grayling in 28 geographic locations, from the southern limit of their distribution in Montana and Wyoming north through Canada and Alaska to the Arctic coast, had considerable variation in allometric exponents in weight–length relationships and in predicted weights at length. Predicted weights of Arctic Grayling for heavier fish (0.90 quantiles) in populations with less (lower quartiles) to greater (upper quartiles) weights were 127–194 g and 336–510 g at total lengths = 250 and 350 mm, respectively. Lighter fish (0.10 quantiles) in populations with less to greater weights were 100–133 g and 259–364 g, at the same total lengths, respectively. We provide statistical code and tabled values that can be used as reference standards as a replacement for standard weight equations for comparing new samples of fishes. We also quantified annual variation in condition within two intensively sampled populations, the Kuparuk River in Alaska (25 years, 1985–2012) and Red Rock Creek, Montana (12 years, 1994–2016). Annual distributions of weights at length were greater for Arctic Grayling in Red Rock Creek than those in the Kuparuk River. Variation in predicted distributions of weights at length among years was also greater for Red Rock Creek, although fish from both locations exhibited substantial among‐year variation that exceeded half the variation estimated among geographic locations.ConclusionOur estimates indicated that there was substantial spatial and temporal variation in condition of Arctic Grayling that might be investigated further to help understand constraints on populations to aid conservation and management of the species. Our summary approach can be easily extended to other investigations of fish weight at length relationships where multiple quantile estimates are made across many levels of grouping factors.

Evaluation of the toxic metals, proximate composition and length-weight relationships of selected fish species from the Gadananathi River, Southern Tamil Nadu.

The present study reveals toxic metals, proximate composition, and growth conditions in seven fish species, aiding their nutritional importance and conditions. The samples of seven different small indigenous fish species, including Xenentodon cancila, Glossogobious giuris, Pseudambassis ranga, Puntius dorsolis, Mystus vittatus, Dawkinsia filamentosa, and Dawkinsia tambraparaniei, were collected in river Gadananathi, Tamilnadu, India. A total 14 fish samples were analyzed for lead, cadmium, and copper using atomic absorption spectrometry. The standard procedures were used to determine the length-weight and proximate composition of the seven fishes. The findings revealed that the seven fish species had variable amounts of metal buildup. Cu levels were highest in D. tambraparniei gills and lowest in M. vittatus gills and livers; nonetheless, substantial amounts of Cu were found in P. dorsalis livers. In the length-weight correlations of the regression parameters of coefficient value r2, the "a" and "b" values revealed a positive allometric growth rate in all fish species except G. giuris and M. vittatus. However, X. cancila had the highest composition in the proximate analysis, while D. tambraparniei and D. filamentosa had the highest protein content mean value at a significant level (P ≤ 0.05). Overall, discrepancies in nutritional content might be related to species, environmental circumstances, fish age and size, and food availability.

Estimation of Economic Losses in Trammel Nets Fisheries Using the Length–weight Relationship

Estimation of Economic Losses in Trammel Nets Fisheries Using the Length–weight Relationship

Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Introduced Red Devil Cichlid Amphilophus labiatus, in Lake Sentani, Indonesia

Papua’s freshwater ecosystems in the western part of New Guinea have begun to record widespread introductions of invasive species over the past decade. This lake's most dominant and common exotic species is Amphilophus labiatus (Günther, 1864). A study was conducted to document the length-weight relationship and condition factor of these fish in Lake Sentani. From June to August 2019, fish were caught using floating gillnets at six locations around the lake. Total length (TL) (mm), body depth (mm), and body weight (grams) were measured, and condition factor based on gender, body weight, and body length were observed in 345 fish, including 264 males and 81 males. The growth pattern of A. labiatus is positively allometric, with b values ranging from 3.19 to 3. 20 and coefficients of determination (r2) ranging from 0.84 to 0.87. Although the average body length of A. labiatus males was shorter than females, condition factor (CF) values were not significantly different between the sexes and ranged from 0. 64 to 2.03 (0.97 ± 1.17, mean ± SD). For males, it went from 0.67 to 1.19 (0.94 ± 0.13 mean ± SD). However, monthly CF data show a significant decrease in CF in August, suggesting that spawning events occur in late July or early August. A. labiatus grows well and colonizes habitats throughout Lake Sentani.

Analysis of Feeding Habits and Biological Aspect of Yellow Stripe Trevally (Selaroides leptolepis) Caught at the Lekok Coast, Pasuruan, East Java

The fish population in waters can decrease due to the uncontrolled utilization of fish resources. Food is one of the determining factors for the population and condition of fish in the waters. Considering the economic and ecological importance of the yellow trevally in food webs, this research was conducted to analyze the feeding habits and biological aspects of the yellow trevally in Pesisir Lekok. This study used a descriptive data analysis with complete randomized design. The research was conducted from May to July 2023 at Pesisir Lekok, Pasuruan, East Java. The results showed that the yellow trevally is carnivorous with the dominant food found being zooplankton from the genus Microcalanus sp. with a frequency of occurrence of 41%. The highest plankton composition found in the stomach of the yellow trevally was the phytoplankton of the Aulacoseira genus, which was 22.2%. Meanwhile, the foods most preferred by the yellow trevally are Rotifera and Charophyta with an index value of +1. The biological aspect of the yellow trevally seen from the length-weight relationship shows that the growth pattern of the yellow trevally is negative allometric with a b value of 2.651. While the condition factor range average values are 1.009 – 1.027. The results of this study are expected to be the basis for efforts to support the sustainable management of fisheries resources, especially the yellow trevally in the coastal waters of Lekok.

Asymmetrical individual both left and right otoliths of Tuna Scombrini collected from the Java Sea

Otolith can be used as a natural marker of fish stock or anomalies between individuals within fish stock. This research aims to study the relationships between fish length and otolith length and confirm differences in otolith shape between species in the Scombrini tribe and Carangidae family (Decapterus ruselli). Sample used in our analysis were collected around July - September 2023 from three different location, Rastrelliger brachysoma (Lekok waters, Pasuruan), Scomber australasicus (Bali Strait waters) and Decapterus ruselli (Sendang Biru, South Malang). Total 96 specimens were identified based on morphological character as Rastrelliger brachysoma, Scomber australasicus and Decapterus ruselli. Each of following samples were cut horizontally at the frontal head to open the skull and remove sagitta otolith below the hindbrain using dissecting set, then cleaned and stored dry in microtube 1,5 ml separately for left and right to further documented using Celestron Digital Microscope Pro Gray USB 44308. Otolith morphometric data collected includes maximum length using TpsDig and weight using analytical balance. The relationship between Forked Length (FL) and otolith length, length-weight relationship of otolith was determined using simple linear regression on software Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). Paired sample t-test was applied to determine asymmetrical size of left and right otoliths. In this study, it was found that the shape of the otoliths between species has differences in the rostrum, antirostrum, ventral and dorsal parts. FL-otolith length relationship of S. australasicus, R. brachysoma and D. ruselli are Y=0,725+0,164X, r2= 0,519; Y=0,191+0,230X, r2= 0,911; Y=3,156+0,075X, r2=0,071 respectively. The LW sagitta relationship shows that there is a very strong relationship (P<0,05) between L and W of otoliths. The results of the Paired Sample T-test showed that there was no significant difference in the size of the left and right otoliths (Sig>0.05). Otolith shape is influenced by fish behaviour, diet and environment and it may be used as additional information to distinguish between tribe or even species. Otherwise, its asymmetric relationship and LW relationship may be potential new methods for stock discrimination and have other implications such as stock assessment, understanding natural asymmetry, and its potential applications in fisheries management and conservation.