Variations In Condition Factor Research Articles

Length–weight relationship of Tilapia mariae in Lower Ogun River, Akomoje Water Reservoir, Nigeria

The length-weight relationships and the condition factor of the fish Tilapia mariae were examined in the laboratory. The fish species attained a mean standard length in the range of 13.12±0.61 cm in male, while it was 19.83±0.76 cm in female. The growth in length relative to weight was negative allometric. There was variation in condition factor (k) for both sexes. The females were in better condition than the males whose k-values were higher during the dry and wet seasons. The sex ratio of Tilapia mariae in the reservoir was 1:3.12 (M: F), with September showing the highest sex ratio of 1:3.17 (M:F) and October showing the least 1:2.05 (M:F).

Seasonal Variations in Condition Factor, Food and Feeding Habit of <i>Labeo bata</i> (hamilton) in Kulia Beel, West Bengal

Labeo bata constitute an important fishery in beels of West Bengal. An attempt was made to study seasonal variations in condition factor as well as food and feeding habit of this fish during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon periods (March to November, 2001) in Kulia beel of West Bengal. The relative condition factor varied from 0.907 to 1.076 with higher values during pre-monsoon period. The feeding intensity was found maximum during post-monsoon period. A wide variation was observed in food spectrum of the fish. It fluctuated both season wise as well as with size of the fishes. The details of such variations are discussed.

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of selected small Cyprinid fishes from river Burhi Gandak in North Bihar, India

The present study was conducted in Burhi Gandak River in Bihar to investigate the length-weight relationship and condition factor of four small cyprinids viz. Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton, 1822), Puntius sophore (Hamilton, 1822), Puntius terio(Hamilton, 1822) and Ambylpharyngodon mola (Hamilton, 1822). A total of 677 C. reba, 969 P. sophore, 873 P. terio and 1015 A. mola specimens were collectedusing traditional boats and some locally made nets like Dhoni jaal, Auptha jaal, Chauni jaal and modified traps. The regression equation was found as Log W = -2.036 + 2.97 Log L (r=0.94) for Cirrhinus reba, Log W = -1.962 + 3.14 Log L (r=0.84) for Puntius sophore, Log W = -0.932 + 1.86 Log L (r=0.72) for Puntius terio and Log W = -2.031 + 3.39 Log L (r=0.84) for Ambylpharyngodonmola. The length weight relationship revealed that C. reba follows the isometric growth pattern while P. sophore and A. mola exhibit positive allometric growthpattern and negative growth pattern was observed in P. terio. The variation in condition factor was observed in case of P. terio while the other species are in good condition in this riverine habitat.

Reproductive strategy of spiny gurnard Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei Blanc and Hureau, 1973 from the south-eastern Adriatic Sea

This study provides the first data on the reproductive biology of the spiny gurnard Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei. A total of 1027 individuals were collected monthly from September 2011 to August 2012. The total length of the individuals in the sample ranged from 7.46 cm to 14.62 cm with a female to male ratio of 1 to 0.59. Positive allometric growth was observed for both females (b=3.07) and males (b=3.08). Variations of condition factor were similar in both sexes with mean values of 1.07 for females and 1.01 for males. The fish L. dieuzeidei had a long spawning period extending from November to July based on monthly values of gonadosomatic index. Histological analysis showed that this fish was multiple synchronous developments of ovaries with multiple spawning events. The ovaries were always represented with a group of primary oocytes and a diverse population of vitel-logenic oocytes, each specially recruited during the final stages of maturation in uniform or uneven phases. Batch fecundity was estimated gravimetrically using the hydrated oocyte method and was estimated to be around 558 to 10.230 oocytes per female. L. dieuzeidei is an important by-catch species and data from this study represent a valuable contribution to stock management.

Temporal Variations of Condition Factor and Relative Weight For Mystus Gulio (Hamilton, 1822) From the Coastal Water in Bangladesh

The long whiskers catfish, Mystus gulio (Hamilton, 1822), is a valuable, delicious food fish in coastal areas of Bangladesh. It is found in fresh and brackish water of South Asian region. The present study illustrates the temporal variation of condition factor (KF) and prey-predator through relative weight (WR) along with length-weight relation (LWR) of M. gulio in the Maloncho River at southern Bangladesh. There were a total of 1200 individuals collected between January-December 2017 and October 2019 to June 2020. Different traditional gears (such as cast net, seine net, square lift net) were used for collecting the fish samples. There were 35% males and 65% females. The total length of fish ranged 7.8-18.3 cm for males and 9.3-22.1 cm for females. The body weight ranged 8.80–72.34 g for males and 8.09-128.82 g for females. LWR was significant with r2 value >0.950. The calculated co-efficient (b) were negative allometric growth in male and female (b<3.0, p<0.001). The KF indicated the best condition of this species. WR revealed no significant difference from 100 for both sex (p = 0.441) and females (p = 0.221), indicating a suitable habitat for growth. From conservation point of view, the findings of this present study on M. gulio will be helpful in Bangladesh (Maloncho River) and neighboring countries. J. Bio-Sci. 29(1): 111-122, 2021 (June)

Annual variation in condition factor of sand lance Ammodytes japonicus during the estivation period in Harima-Nada, eastern Seto Inland Sea, Japan

The sand lance Ammodytes japonicus has been one of the most important fisheries resources in the eastern Seto Inland Sea, but long-term variations in annual catch have shown a decreasing trend. This species estivates for about 5 -months and does not eat during the period in Harima-Nada, eastern Seto Inland Sea. Therefore, a sufficient condition factor is important to survive the estivation period and start maturity thereafter. In this study, we investigated the condition factor of age-0 fish, which account for most of the catch, during the estivation period (July–November) together with water temperature in Harima-Nada from 2010 to 2017. The mean condition factor of the age-0 fish in late July ranged from 3.76 to 4.55 and decreased each month to values in late November from 2.91 to 3.59. The reduction rate (%) of the condition factor varied from 15.5% to 26.6%. The slopes of the decreasing condition factor, which were calculated from the relationship between the monthly condition factor of individuals and Julian Days each year, showed no significant correlation with cumulative water temperature from the first sampling day in July to the last one in November. The condition factor of sand lance was generally maintained at the end of the estivation period if the condition factor was high at the beginning of the period. The results suggest that starting estivation with a high condition factor is the most important criterion to enable survival of sand lance in Harima-Nada.

Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Water Quality of The Paranhana River, Southern Brazil

Abstract: The Paranhana River, located in Southern Brazil, is one of the major tributaries of the Sinos River basin and receives mainly industrial and domestic effluents. In the present study, water physicochemical and microbiological analyses, condition factor, micronucleus test, gill histopathology and metal bioaccumulation in the muscle of the native fish Bryconamericus iheringii collected at two sites (S1 and S2) of the Paranhana River under different degrees of anthropogenic pressures were assessed in four sampling campaigns. Data from water quality parameters, condition factor, mucous cells proliferation in fish gills and bioaccumulation of chromium and manganese in muscle evidenced higher impacts at S2, whereas a higher genotoxic potential was observed at S1. Gill histopathological alterations were found in fish captured at both sampling sites. Temporal variations in all biomarkers analyzed and bioaccumulation of manganese and nickel were observed at S1, whereas only variations in condition factor, gill alterations and bioaccumulation of manganese and aluminum were found at S2. Our study evidences that S1 is under minor anthropogenic impacts and that the high urbanization at S2 reflects in a poor water quality. Nonetheless, the human consumption of fish from the Paranhana River should be avoided given the high concentrations of cadmium, chromium and lead.

Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of African Big Barb <i>Labeobarbus intermedius</i> (Ruppell, 1836) in Ethiopian Freshwater Bodies: A Review

The investigations on length-weight relationship and condition factor of the African big barb Labeobarbus intermedius (Ruppell, 1836) in Ethiopian water bodies have shown varied pattern including nearly isometric (b≈3), negative (b 3) allometric. The Fulton condition factor (K) of L. intermedius is high (1.73) in Lake Ziway, however, declined in most rivers and lakes and also exhibits seasonal variation. Fish had a better body condition (2.73) during wet season in Angereb and Sanja Rivers. There is variation in condition factor with respect to sex in which females had better body condition (1.88) in Lake Ziway. The length-weight relationship and condition factor of L. intermedius is correlated with availability of food and water quality parameters justifying the need for effective management of this fish stock for conservation and continued fishing.

Variation in Condition Factor of Some Freshwater Fishes from Epie Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Variation in Condition Factor of Some Freshwater Fishes from Epie Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Relación longitud-peso y factor de condición relativo del pez escorpión roquero Scorpaena mystes en la parte central del Golfo de California, México

Background. In recent years (since 2012) there has been an increase in the commercial exploitation of Scorpaena mystes Jordan & Starks, 1985 in the central area of the Gulf of California and there is no information on the basic biology of this species that serve as a basis to determine the current population status and, in the future, assess any changes associated with exploitation and environmental factors. Goals. Determine the length-weight (LWR) and length-length (LLR) relationships, and the relative condition factor of S. mystes. Methods. Fish specimens (n = 258) were collected monthly from May 2015 through April 2016 in waters off Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur. Each fish was measured for standard length (SL) and total length (TL), and weighed (W). Results. LWR and LLR were highly significant (p <0.05) with a determination coefficient higher than 0.9. The b-value (b = 3.06) of LWR was not significantly-different from 3. Monthly variation in the relative condition factor was also significant (p <0.05) with the highest value in August (1.34). Conclusions. The growth of S. mystes is isometric. The monthly variation in the condition factor may be associated with maturation of the gonads of the species.

Fecundity and Condition Factor of Clarias anguillaris of Oguta Lake, Nigeria

Fecundity and condition factor of Clarias angullaris were studied in Oguta Lake for eight weeks. Forty species of C. anguillaris were studied. The length-weight relationship, fecundity, condition factor and gonad-osomatic indices were factors employed for assessment of health status of the fish. The mean length and weight of the C. anguillaris collected were 27.46 ± 1.47 (12.00-38.50) cm and 391.26 ± 17.92 (144.60-553.40) g respectively. Some of the morphometrics manifested linkage and C. anguillaris exhibited a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.008, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of -0.091. Fecundity-weight relationship of C. anguillaris was also not significant (p=0.062) with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of -0.357 and coefficient of determination (R2)=0.127. The variations in condition factor of C. anguliaris at Oguta Lake was 19.96% (R2=0.1996) and this was explained by the variations in GSI. Clarias anguillaris from the Oguta Lake showed negative allometric growth pattern which implied that the fish species is increasing in length faster than its weight. This could be as a result of the polluted nature of the Lake, shortage of food supply, diseases which might have altered the fish speciation.

FATOR DE CONDIÇÃO RELACIONADO A ASPECTOS REPRODUTIVOS DA PIAPARA (Leporinus obtusidens) (Characiformes: Anostomidae) COLETADAS A JUSANTE DA USINA HIDRELÉTRICA DO FUNIL, MINAS GERAIS, BRASIL

This study aimed to describe the seasonal variation of condition factor (K) correlated with gonadossomatic (GSI) and hepatossomatic index (HSI) of Leporinus obtusidens (Valenciennes, 1837), collected downstream of the Hidroelectric Power Station of Funil, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and to evaluate if these indices can indicate the reproductive period of this species. The animals were captured between September/2006 and August/2007 and grouped seasonally. The length and the weight of 110 individuals were measured to calculate K, the weight of the liver was determined to calculate HSI and the weight of the gonad to calculate GSI. The K of females and males grouped and of males alone were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the summer. As for the females alone, no significant variation of the K was observed throughout the year. The values of HSI were significantly greater during the spring and summer for both sexes, whereas the GSI of males and females was superior (p<0.05) in the summer. In the correlation tests, K was not related with the GSI and HSI factors; however, strong correlation between GSI and HSI was found. K is not an index of the reproductive period of Leporinus obtusidens (Valenciennes, 1837), whereas GSI and HIS can be used for indicating reproduction. KEYWORDS: fish; reproduction; reservoir.

Condition and length-weight relationship of the horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus L.) and the Mediterranean horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus L.) from the eastern Adriatic sea

The length-weight relationship and variation of condition factor in relation to the total length (TL) of Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Trachurus mediterraneus (Steindachner, 1868) were studied. Samples were collected in the eastern Adriatic Sea using bottom-trawl during 2008 and 2009. The b values for males, females and total sample showed that the growth of T. trachurus was isometric, i.e. equal in length and weight. The growth of the males and females of T. mediterraneus was positively allometric while the total sample (males, female and immature) showed isometric growth. The condition factor was calculated indicating the smallest values in immature specimens. The highest values of condition factor for males and females of both species were observed in the range of TL from 16 to 19 cm and 31 to 33 cm, respectively.

Fator de condição e aspectos reprodutivos de fêmeas de &lt;em&gt;Pimelodella&lt;/em&gt; cf. &lt;em&gt;gracilis&lt;/em&gt; (Osteichthyes, Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) no rio Amambai, de Mato Grosso do Sul

The aim of this study is to describe the seasonal variations of condition factor and of the gonadal development cycle of Pimelodella cf. gracilis in Amambai River (MS, Brazil). The length and weight of 232 individuals were measured to calculate the Allometric Condition Factor. For the females (n=162), we also obtained the ovarian weight and the gonadal maturity stages in order to calculate the GSI and the relative frequency (%) of this stages at each season of the year. Results indicate that the highest GSI values were registered in spring and summer. Thus, we concluded that the spawning season of this species occurs between October and April. However, it was not possible to identify more precisely when this event occurs. The highest values of condition factor were observed in summer, as a probable consequence of the more intensive feeding activity that individuals demonstrate during the spring.

Seasonal marine feeding and body condition of sea trout (Salmo trutta) at its northern distribution

AbstractThe seasonal marine feeding pattern of sea trout was studied from March to December 2001 in two large fjords situated at latitudes 69°N and 66°N in the northern part of Norway. Despite low sea temperatures and high salinity, sea running trout were caught during all sampling occasions in both fjords. The trout had fed extensively on marine crustaceans (shrimps, amphipods, and krill) and polychaetes during early and late winter, and had a stable or increasing condition factor during this period. In summer and autumn, the trout fed predominantly on fish, mainly juvenile herring. Food consumption rates were lowest during late autumn and early winter (October–December) in both fjords, while trout in the southernmost fjord had the highest consumption rates from April to August and trout in the northernmost fjord from May to September. These patterns in both fjords matched the seasonal variations in condition factor and relative lipid content of the fish during the same periods. The marine winter migration of these northern sea trout populations appears to be a feeding migration in which the fish maintain or increase their body condition, representing a previously undocumented alternative to the more common life history strategy of over-wintering and starvation in freshwater at the northern distribution of this species.

Variation in Condition Factor and Growth in Young-of-Year Fishes in Floodplain and Riverine Habitats of the Cosumnes River, California

Condition factors and growth rates of postlarval (young-of-year) fishes in a Central California river were compared in order to determine the relative importance of floodplain and riverine habitats for rearing. Sampling took place between April and June of 2001 and 2002 in the lower Cosumnes River and its floodplain. Sacramento splittail showed higher condition and length increment in floodplain habitats than in riverine habitats. Sacramento suckers showed differences in condition between sites, but suckers from the floodplain had lower weight increments than those from the river. The weight increment in Sacramento splittail was not significantly different between habitats. In addition, two alien species, common carp and golden shiner, had similar condition factors and growth rates. This study shows the usefulness of condition factor and growth rate in evaluating the importance of different habitats for early life history stages of fishes.

Seasonal Variation in Condition Factor, Gonadosomatic Index and Processing Yield of Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Length-weight relationship parameters of carp (Cyprinus carpio) males, females, and combined sexes were calculated. Seasonal variations in condition factor (K), gonadosomatic index (GSI), and processing yield of wild carp are presented. A resting period (October-March) and another one of rapid growth (April-September) were observed in gonads of female carp. Spawning took place in August-September. During the gonadal resting period, high values of K were observed. After spawning, K was at a minimum value. A positive correlation between K and yield was shown (r2 = 0.852, P < 0.001). The yield from headed and gutted carp was negatively correlated with female GSI (r2 = 0.845, P < 0.001). Physical and biological parameters obtained for carp were compared to those previously studied for hake (Merluccius hubbsi), confirming similar characteristics due to seasonal effects.

Influence of o′p-DDD on the physiological response to stress in Arctic charr ( Salvelinus alpinus)

Various toxicants have previously been held responsible for an impaired capacity of fish from polluted environments to elevate their cortisol levels in response to stress. In the present study we investigated the responses to stress in o′p-DDD [2-(chlorophenyl)-2-(4-chlorphenyl)-1,1-dichloroethane] exposed (given a single, oral dose of 75 mg o′p-DDD/kg fish) and unexposed Arctic charr. After o′p-DDD administration fish were left undisturbed and without being fed for 28 days, when they were subjected to an acute handling stress. At 1, 3, 7 and 23 h following stress, primary (ACTH and cortisol secretion) and secondary (plasma Cl levels and energy mobilisation) components of the stress response were monitored. As the nutritional state of wild fish may influence this potential biomarker response, the fish had been subjected to a restricted feed ration prior to o′p-DDD administration in order to obtain marked within-group variations in condition factor. No effects of o′p-DDD were observed on post-stress hormone secretion (i.e. peak post-stress plasma ACTH and cortisol levels), nor on plasma chloride levels. However, other results obtained provided evidence for a metabolic depression by o′p-DDD, witnessed by consistently lower plasma glucose levels before and after stress in these contaminated fish. This may be related to the finding that during the 30-day period between o′p-DDD administration and stress treatment, toxicant treated fish lost less weight in comparison to their sham-treated counterparts. Nutritional state did not appear to influence the performance of the charr in the present experiment, as correlations between the parameters measured and condition factor or lipid contents on an individual basis in all cases turned out non significant. Overall, the results contrast with those of previous in vivo and in vitro studies on fish, which concluded that comparable headkidney o′p-DDD levels impaired interrenal steroidogenesis. Although we conclude that the effects of o′p-DDD on Arctic charr metabolism were not associated with the stress response, we propose that they may well interfere with the animals’ ability to cope with stress in the long term, or may compromise other physiological processes, such as smoltification. Finally, the high level of integration of components involved in the stress response complicates the identification of single stress-sensitive indices as biomarkers applicable in environmental monitoring programmes.

Condition and energy reserves of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) during the collapse of the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence stock

Interannual variations and seasonal cycles in condition and energy reserves were investigated for the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence cod (Gadus morhua) before and during the collapse of the stock. Significant decreases in cod condition between the late 1980s and the early 1990s coincided with the reduction in biomass. Cod exhibited clear seasonal variations in condition factor (Fulton's K), energy reserves, and tissue composition. Maximum K (0.87-0.91) and highest hepatosomatic index (HSI; 4.3-5.7%) occurred during the autumn while minimum levels occurred in spring. In May, the levels of condition (K, 0.69-0.74; HSI, 2.2-3.0) were below those reported for other stocks. In spring during spawning, a proportion of the wild cod had condition and energy reserves that were within the range that resulted in mortality among unfed fish held in the laboratory. Feeding experiments also indicate that the condition of wild cod in fall was lower than that observed for well-fed fish held in the laboratory. The decline in the condition and energy reserves of cod during several consecutive years may have lowered the productivity of the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence stock. This, along with overfishing, could have contributed to the collapse of this stock.

Atlantic salmon in duoculture with Arctic charr: decreased aggression enhances growth and stocking density potential

Reduced aggression for Atlantic salmon in duoculture with Arctic charr, compared to monoculture, was previously reported. It was then not clarified whether the reduction of aggression was a result of reduced salmon stocking density itself, or alternatively, if the physical presence of Arctic charr reduced the probability for visual and physical contact between salmon additionally (termed shading). To test these hypotheses, Atlantic salmon and Arctic charr were reared in mono- and duoculture under two densities; 0.6 and 1.2 individuals 1 −1. Variations in Atlantic salmon length, weight and condition factor were significantly affected by culture type and salmon density, but not by total fish density. Culture type and charr density did not significantly affect charr size parameters, except for variation in condition factor. For a given salmon density, addition of charr reduced the aggression received by each salmon and increased mean salmon size and growth rate significantly. Duoculture improved growth rate in salmon due to shading between conspecifics. A practical application of the results could imply increased total stocking density potential of salmonids.