Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Otolithoides pama (Hamilton, 1822) from Hooghly-Matlah estuarine system of West Bengal, India

The length-weight relationships (LWRs) of Otolithoides pama (Hamilton, 1822) from the Hooghly-Matlah estuarine system of West Bengal were estimated. The study is based on 618 samples (298 male and 320 female) collected at monthly intervals for a period of 18 months (November 2016 to April 2018) from artisanal catch. No significant difference (p>0.01) was observed in growth rate for both the sexes. The 'b' values were estimated at 2.88, 2.84 and 2.86 with 'r(2)'values as 0.96, 0.95 and 0.95 for male, female and pooled samples respectively. The growth pattern was found to be negatively allometric. The month-wise mean 'K' value ranged from 0.70 +/- 0.07 to 0.78 +/- 0.07 for male and 0.71 +/- 0.05 to 0.89 +/- 0.11 for female. The length-wise estimated mean 'Kn' value varied from 0.92 to 1.17 for male and 0.76 to 1.29 for female indicating the moderately good condition of the fish in the study area. The results can be used for sustainable management and conservation of this commercially important species in the this estuary.