Utility of otolith weight to estimate age of Labeo bata (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) inhabiting the Ganga River

Abstract

Fish age estimation is essential for stock assessment, population dynamics, and fisheries management. The presently reported study was conducted to evaluate the relation between otolith weight and observed age in Labeo bata (Hamilton, 1822) inhabiting the Ganga River. A total of 187 L. bata specimens were collected from Narora site of the Ganga River. Linear regression analysis was applied between otolith weight and observed age to predict the age of fish from the otolith weight. The relation between otolith weight and observed age was significant for L. bata. The otolith weight increased with the fish age. Discriminant function analysis revealed 96.3% of the predicted ages were correctly classified to their observed ages. Thus, it can be inferred that the relation between otolith weight and fish age can provide an additional method of age estimation in L. bata.