Length weight relationship, relative condition factor and ponderal index of Blotched Croaker, Nibea maculata off Gopalpur Coast, Odisha

Abstract

Study on length weight relationship, relative condition factor and ponderal index of blotched croaker, Nibea maculata off Gopalpur coast, Odisha was conducted from September 2012 to August 2013. 680 samples were collected and identification of sex; length and weight measurement was done in the laboratory. The length weight relationship was established for both male and female separately as Log W=-1.327 + 2.88 log L (r2= 0.937) and Log W=-1.236 + 2.99 log L (r2= 0.869) respectively. As the regression coefficient of the sexes did not differ significantly, a common equation has been derived as Log W= -1.346+2.96 log L (r2=0.929) showing isometric growth of the species. The relative condition factor (Kn) was found to be highest during February (1.18) and lowest in April (0.8). The Kn value in different length classes during the period varied from 0.948 to 1.00. The highest ponderal index was found in February (1.84 for male and 1.77 for female) and it decreases with increasing length classes.