Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Seven Fish Species in Manasbal Lake, Kashmir, India

Abstract

For aquaculture assessments, the length-weight relationship and condition factor are considered as standard methods for determining fish growth, its health and the potential yield. A year-long study was conducted to calculate length-weight relationships (LWRs) and condition factor (K) for seven fish species, Schizothorax niger (Alghad or snowtrout), S. curvifrons (Sattar snowtrout), Cyprinus carpio (Common carp), Carassius carassius (Crucian carp), Pethia conchonius (Rosy barb), Crossocheilus diplochilus (Kashmir latia) and Gambusia holbrooki (Mosquito fish) in Manasbal Lake. The results revealed that four captured fish species (S. niger, S. curvifrons, C. diplochilus and G. holbrooki) exhibited negative allometric growth, while other fish species (C. carpio, C. carassius, P. conchonius) exhibited positive allometric growth. LWR was significant at P < 0.01 in all seven fish species, with a coefficient of determination (R2) ranging between 0.73 to 0.96. The K was higher in C. carpio than C. carassius, P. conchonius, G. holbrooki, C. diplochilus, S. niger and S. curvifrons. The current study providing the LWRs and condition factor of seven fish species from Manasbal Lake, Kashmir will be helpful for the management of fish species as well as for assessing the ecological condition of the Lake.