Length-weight relationship and relative condition factor (Kn) of freshwater garfish, Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton, 1822) from Keenjhar Lake, Thatta Sindh

Abstract

he study was aimed to report length-weight relationships and relative condition factor (Kn) of the Freshwater garfish, Xenentodon cancila collected between January to December 2013 from Keenjhar Lake, Thatta, Sindh. Growth pattern in both of the sexes was determined from 688 individuals (383 ♂, and 305 ♀), ranging 18.3-36.6 cm TL for (males) and 21.5-37 cm for (females), weighing 14.6-145 g (males) whereas females 22-141 g, were recorded. The coefficient of determination (R2 = >.8) was for both sexes shows significant relationship between parameters. Sexual dimorphism was obvious as males possess black edge at dorsal and anal fins whereas females lacks this character. The femalemale sex ratio was 1:1.26 deviated from an ideal 1:1. The relative condition factor (Kn) ranged from 0.97-0.99. The baseline data presented here would be useful for further studies related to the management of this species