Comparison of Condition factor of the Ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829) from Karachi Coast, Pakistan

Abstract

Study on Condition factor of Ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829) from Karachi coast was conducted monthly from January 2011 to December 2011. Four hundred and thirty (430) fish samples were collected by artisanal fishermen using various fishing gears. Variations in coefficient of condition are evident in male and female T. lepturus and L. savala. The k value of the former species was found more affected by gonadal maturation than feeding activity whereas in latter species it was highly related with feeding intensity than sexual maturity. Male specimens had higher condition factors than Females in both the species. Knowledge of the two species is important for adequate management and maintenance of the biological equilibrium of the ecosystem.