Length-weight relationship and condition factor of seven live bait fishes captured from the nearshore lagoon of Agatti Island (Lakshadweep), India

Abstract

The Length-Weight Relationships (LWRs) of seven live-bait fishes namely, Rhabdamia gracilis, Zoramia leptacantha, Verulux cypselurus, Gymnocaesio gymnoptera, Chromis viridis, Chrysiptera brownriggii and Lutjanus kasmira found in Lakshadweep waters were determined in the current study. The specimens were captured from Agatti Island lagoons, using lift nets and encircling nets at depths ranging from 2 to 10 m. This data collection spanned from January 2021 to March 2022. The estimated b values ranged from 3.09 to 3.38 for G. gymnoptera and Z. leptacantha, respectively. The coefficient of determination (r²) ranged from 0.99 (G. gymnoptera) to 0.89 (V. cypselurus). The study provides insight into the biological details of these live bait fishes, which support traditional tuna pole and line fishing in Lakshadweep waters.