Length-weight relationship and reproductive biology of Otolithes ruber (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) from the Southwest coast of India

Sangeetha, A T and Nair, Rekha J (2023) Length-weight relationship and reproductive biology of Otolithes ruber (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) from the Southwest coast of India. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India, 65 (2). pp. 75-83. ISSN 2321-7898

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Abstract

The length-weight relationships (LWRs) of Otolithes ruber (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) from Cochin Harbour, Kerala, were estimated. The study is based on 723 samples (209 male and 416 female) collected at monthly intervals for a period of 24 months (February 2020 to January 2022). No significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the growth rate for both sexes. The 'b' values were estimated at 3.19, 3.05, and 3.09 with 'r' values of 0.992, 0.986 and 0.986 for male, female, and pooled samples, respectively. The length at first maturity was calculated as 215 mm for females and 255 mm for males. The GSI values of females varied from 0.36-4.84 (2020-2021) and 0.25-9.89 (2021-2022), and those of males ranged from 0.21-5.45 (2020-2021) and 0.28-5.45 (221-2022). The peak values in the months of October and November for female correspond to their spawning seasons. To evaluate fish stocks, it is essential to have up-to-date knowledge of the functional length-weight relationships in fish for males, females, and mixed fish. The findings will aid Kerala's fishery managers in enacting the necessary legislation for sustainable fishery management.

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