Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of a Threatened Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) from Arrah (Bihar), India during Non-Breeding Season

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to calculate the length-weight relationship as well as the condition factor of a threatened
freshwater climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (total length: 5-18cm; body weight: 12-58g) from Arrah (Bihar), India to
assess the importance of allometric factor and well-being. From September 2022 to March 2023, a total of 458 fish
specimens were collected for this purpose. For the total fish, the length-weight relationship was calculated as y = 3.610x
- 5.619 (logy = 1.836 logx - 0.430) with coefficient determination = 0.914. This indicates that the species' growth is
negative allometric and a statistically significant correlation (r) was calculated between the length and weight of the
sampled fish. The coefficient determination (R2) ranges from 24-97% (r= 0.488-0.986) indicating a proper growth
pattern. Fulton's condition factor values ranged from 1.346 to 3.613 indicating that the fish was in good health. The
average values of condition factor (K) of 2.00 and relative condition factor (K') of 0.999 indicate that its habitat is in
good condition. This study is useful in providing pertinent information for understanding fish biology, estimating fish
conditions in its environment and assessing population dynamic parameters.