Length-weight relationships and condition factor of commercial species from South Arabian Gulf of the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The length-weight relationship is a fundamental tool in fisheries science, offering insights into the growth patterns and health status of fish populations. This relationship was calculated using the equation W=a* Lb, while condition coefficients were determined using the equation K=W/L3*100. The relative condition factor (Kn) was estimated with the equation Kn = W/Ŵ. The coefficient of determination (r²) ranged from 0.92 for Plectorhincus sordidus to 0.99 for Carangoides bajad, Gnathonodon speciosus, and Argyrops spinifer. The coefficient of allometry (b) varied from 2.560 for Gerres longirostris to 3.159 for Epinephelus coioides, with a median value of 2.84. The relative condition factor value obtained from this study was ≥1, indicating good health conditions of fish, while values less than 1 predicted unhealthy conditions. The Fulton's and relative condition factors ranged from 0.78 to 2.78 and 1.00 to 1.02, respectively. The ‘b’ value differed significantly (p