LENGTH -WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP AND CONDITION FACTOR
6.1. INTRODUCTION
Length-weight relationship studies of fishes are considered as an important tool for understanding of fish. Length is a linear measure (in centimeter) and the weight of a fish (in gram) is approximately equal to its volume (cubic centimeter). Hence, weight of a fish is a function of length. The relationship can be expressed by the hypothetical law W= aL
3
. The value of exponent may considerably deviate from the value 3, as most fishes change their form or shape when they grow (Martin, 1949). This variation from expected weight to the actual weight of individual fish is assessed by analyzing the length- weight relationship
Length-weight relationship establishes the mathematical relationship between length and weight of fish (Beyer, 1987). Inter-conversions of these variables are required for setting up of yield equations, hence leads to information about the body forms of different groups of fishes and its growth pattern. Length- weight relationship also provides information on the changes in the well being of the fishes that happens during their life cycle. This can be estimated by comparing the expected weight estimated by using the length-weight relationship with actual weight of fish. Like other morphometric measurements, length-weight
6.1. INTRODUCTION
Length-weight relationship studies of fishes are considered as an important tool for understanding of fish. Length is a linear measure (in centimeter) and the weight of a fish (in gram) is approximately equal to its volume (cubic centimeter). Hence, weight of a fish is a function of length. The relationship can be expressed by the hypothetical law W= aL
3
. The value of exponent may considerably deviate from the value 3, as most fishes change their form or shape when they grow (Martin, 1949). This variation from expected weight to the actual weight of individual fish is assessed by analyzing the length- weight relationship
Length-weight relationship establishes the mathematical relationship between length and weight of fish (Beyer, 1987). Inter-conversions of these variables are required for setting up of yield equations, hence leads to information about the body forms of different groups of fishes and its growth pattern. Length- weight relationship also provides information on the changes in the well being of the fishes that happens during their life cycle. This can be estimated by comparing the expected weight estimated by using the length-weight relationship with actual weight of fish. Like other morphometric measurements, length-weight