Estimation of length-weight relationship and condition factor of the mahseer fingerlings, Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (McClleland, 1839) of River Ghish in Darjeeling Himalaya of West Bengal, India

Abstract

A Length-Weight Relationship (LWRs) and Condition Factor (K) of Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (McClelland, 1839) fingerlings collected from three adjoining sites of River Ghish, Darjeeling Himalaya, West Bengal, India was studied. A total of 90 specimens were collected during November 2019 and total length-weight data was measured. The total length of specimens studied ranged from 4.0 to 5.9 cm while, the total weight ranged from 0.54 to 1.92 g. Linear regression analysis was used to calculate the degree of relationship between total length and total weight. The Coefficient of Determination (r2) value ranged from 0.976 to 0.974 exhibiting a highly significant correlation (p≤0.001) between length and weight. Estimates of parameter b ranged from 2.893 to 2.926 suggesting negative allometric growth, while estimates of parameter a ranged from 1.12 x 10-5 to 1.29 x 10-5, for three river sites. The overall estimate of Condition Factor (K) indicated increasing growth pattern along with the length of fingerlings. Thus, the data obtained will complement the efforts to understand the biology of these stage specific fish species and will provide useful information for its culture in confined condition.