Seasonal Changes of Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Fish Species in Santubong Estuary, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

The length–weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor (K) of the same species may be different in the population because of feeding, season and fishing activities. Hence, it is important to know the LWR of fish which... [ view full abstract ]

The length–weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor (K) of the same species may be different in the population because of feeding, season and fishing activities. Hence, it is important to know the LWR of fish which were caught at a given place and time. The objective of this study was to evaluate the LWR and K of five dominant fish species from Santubong estuary namely Coilia dussumeri, Nemapteryx nenga, Nibea soldado, Setipinna taty and Anodontostoma chacunda. A total of 210 fishes were collected during non-monsoon season and monsoon season at three different stations in Santubong estuary using three-layered gillnet. For each fish, the weight (g) and length (cm) were recorded. Then, the LWR and K were determined. The b values in non-monsoon season varied from 2.57 to 3.25 with only 2 species showing positive allometric growth while b values in monsoon season varied from 2.61 to 3.10 with only 1 species showing positive allometric growth. Then, the mean K in non-monsoon season ranged from (0.40±0.09) to (1.35±0.14) while the mean K in monsoon season ranged from (0.39±0.06) to (1.38±0.15). The mean K of four species in non-monsoon season were higher than the mean K in monsoon season except for A. chacunda that showed higher mean K during monsoon season. The LWR and K were important for fish stock assessment tool, thus the data obtained through this study will be very useful for fishery managers, scientists and researchers to enforce better regulations for sustainable fisheries management and conservation.