Length-weight relationships and condition factors of Sardinella longiceps (Valenciennes, 1847) from Seeb, Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Decadal (from 1997 to 2009) comparative analysis of the length-weight relationship and condition factors of Indian Oil Sardine (Sardinella longiceps) of the Sultanate of Oman was studied for long-term management. The length-weight data were collected from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Sultanate of Oman. An isometric growth (b = 3) was seen in 1997, a positive allometric growth (b > 3) was observed between 2004 and 2009, and a negative allometric growth (b < 3) was observed in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Fulton’s condition factor in the studied years were 0.857, 0.897, 0.911, 0.902, 0.885 and 0.900, respectively. The results of this study can be used as a valuable tool by fishery biologists, managers and conservationists to carry out Sardinella longiceps stock assessments along the coast of Sultanate of Oman and its neighbouring countries.