Length-weight relationship of six freshwater fish species from Wular Lake - A Ramsar site in Kashmir Himalaya, India

Aim: This study was undertaken to understand the length weight relation of six freshwater fish species from Wular Lake. Methodology: A total of 303 specimen belonging to two families (Cyprinidae and Nemacheilidae) and four genera (Schizothorax, Triplophysa, Crossocheilus, Puntius) from Wular Lake were collected from five different sites with the help of local skilled fishermen using cast nets and traditional nets. Total length and weight were measured to the closest 0.1 mm and 0.01 g employing a digital caliper and weighing balance, respectively. Results: The values of the exponent b in length-weight relationship was recorded as 2.05 for Triplophysa marmorata, 0.31 for Crossocheilus diplochilus, 0.12 for Pethia conchonius, 4.14 for Schizothorax niger, 2.58 for Schizothorax esocinus and 4.93 for Schizothorax curvifrons respectively. These results provide the primary basic information on length-weight parameters of these commercially important fish species from Wular Lake. Interpretation: Length-weight relationship can form a baseline data that can be further employed to study the growth pattern of fish species in the lake. This would help in the development of a strategy for conservation of natural stocks of these endemic fish species in Wular Lake. Key words: Ecological, Freshwater, Ramsar, Schizothorax, Wular Lake