RELATIVE CONDITION FACTOR AND LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP OF A CARP, LABEO GONIUS (HAMILTON) FROM KEENJHAR LAKE, DISTRICT THATTA, SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Relative condition factor and length–weight relationship of a carp, Labeo gonius (Hamilton) from Keenjhar Lake, district Thatta, Sindh were studied from 325 specimens ranging from 13.72 to 37. 63 cm from 19.33 to 656.60 g in total length and weight respectively, for six months from April to September 2009. Length weight relationship was calculated separately for male, female and sexes combined as shown by the following equations: Log W=- 3. 37 + 3.67 × Log L (for males) Log W=-2. 37 + 3. 26 × Log L (for female) Log W=- 3.19 + 3. 46 × Log L (for sexes combined) The relative condition factor (Kn) was determined for either sex separately. The Kn values for males ranging from 0.94 to 1.06 with mean 0.99 ± 0.55, in female these values were ranging from 0.96 to 1.13 with mean values of 1.01 ± 0.66, while in case of sexes combined Kn values were ranging from 0.94 to 1.03 with mean was 1.0 ± 0.5. The length -weight relationship values indicated that growth of L. gonius from Keenjhar Lake was found to be positive allometry and the regression co-efficient (b= 3) in all cases male, female and combined sexes showed ideal growth. The relative condition factor of a carp, L. gonius from Keenjhar Lake showed that the females were slightly in better condition (Kn = 1.01) than that of (Kn =1.0 and 0.99) sexes combined and males respectively.