Length-Weight, Length-Length Relationships and Condition Factor of <i>Crossocheilus diplochilus</i> (Heckel) from Dal Lake of Kashmir Himalayas

Abstract

Length-Length Relationships (LLRs) and Length-Weight Relationships (LWRs) are vital tools in the management of fisheries to facilitate a proper understanding of the condition of fish species and the growth pattern from different environments. Despite numerous studies on LWRs and LLRs of fish species, the majority of those have focused on the food fish creating a lacuna in the biometric assessment studies of forage fish. Against this backdrop, the current work was undertaken to estimate the LLRs, LWRs and condition factor of Crossocheilus diplochilus, a forage fish from Dal Lake of Kashmir Himalayas. The fish was reported to show negative allometric growth, attaining a maximum length of 14.8 cm and a maximum weight of 17.19 g. The overall condition factor was reported to be 0.86 ± 0.10, reflecting a poor condition of growth. The fish forms a vital trophic link of the lake, as such timely biometric studies could help in managing its stock properly.