Length frequency, length -weight relationship and gonad development status of silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus, in Khouzestan (Iran) and Kuwait coastal waters, Persian Gulf

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Abstract

Data used  in this publication  is a part of a comprehensive  study was carried out jointly between  South  Aquaculture  Research  Center  (SIARC)  and  Kuwait  Institute  for  Scientific Research  (KISR)  on  silver  pomfret  (Pampus  argenteus)  in  2003  to  2005.  The  study  was aimed to collect efficient data from two regions from biological and population parameters of this economically important fish to properly explain its stock situation and ultimately leads to improve  a better  management  program  for  conservation  of  stock  and  yield  sustainability. Monthly  data  collection  on  length  and . biology,  started  since  May  2003  and  ended  by December  2005.  Shrimp  trawl  and  gill  nets  were  used  for  sample  collection  from  the predicted areas in both sea regions. FL of the fish was within the range of 12-34cm, with the dominant length of 18-25cm in Kuwaiti waters. In Khouzestan waters fork length was ranged 14-22cm for the years of2003 and 2004 but  14-26cm for 2005. Strong relationship  between

length and weight in both countries with a scanty difference was observed for this species (R2

=0.989 for Khouzestn, R2 =0.947 for Kuwait). The findings of present study are suggesting that silver pomfret is following an allometric growth pattern in studied area.  Spawning of silver pomfert begin in July and continue till October in Kuwaiti waters but in Khouzestan waters the heights spawning of this fish started in end of May till October. Length  at first maturity of this species in the studied area of Kuwait was found to be 19.6cm FL based on Spearman-Karber method but 23.3cm (FL) based on the logistic model. The parameter was estimated 20.0 c (FL) in Khouzestan waters according to the logistic model.

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