Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Etroplus maculatus from Vellayani Lake and Veli Lake in Kerala

Abstract

Etroplus maculatus, commonly known as Orange chromide, is an indigenous cichlid of the Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. In the present study, Length weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor were analysed in Etroplus maculatus, from Vellayani Lake and Veli Lake. The regression equation for LWR of the Vellayani Lake was estimated as Log W = -1.937 + 2.698 Log L, while those from Veli Lake as Log W= -2.133 + 2.811 Log L. Although, the 'b' value observed from Veli Lake (2.811) was higher than that from Vellayani Lake (2.698), they were statistically insignificant. The results indicated that populations of E. maculatus in both lakes followed a negative allometric growth pattern with 'b' values slightly below the isometric value of 3 but not significantly different from the cubic value. Similarly, the Condition Factor (K) was higher in Veli Lake specimens (1.7977) compared to Vellayani Lake (1.7481) indicating robustness or well-being of fishes. The results from this study also showed that fish in the lake are in good condition with condition factor value above 1.