Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Length-Weight Relationship and Seasonal Variation of the Condition Factor of Dentex angolensis (Pisce, Poll And Maul, 1953) In Beninese Coastal Waters
E. Sossoukpe, C.D., Assogba, A. Adité, E.D. Fiogbe

Abstract
The length weight relationship and fish condition factors were studied between June 2013 and May 2014. Length-weight relationship of Dentex angolensis did not differ significantly between the sexes and combined equation is given by We = 0.0306SL2.998. D. angolensis exhibited isometric growth. The highest condition factor (Kc) value in females was registered in July (3.232±0.07) and the lowest in September (2.826±0.08). Similarly, the highest Kc value in males was in April (3.242±0.05) and the lowest in September (2.946±0.03). The high values of Kc in males were noted during the major warm season (February to May) and at the end of the major cold season (October) which may be related to feeding activity and post-spawning recovery of the fish. The higher Kc values registered for females in July (major cold season) and from October to November (at the end of the major cold season and during the minor warm season) almost coincide with the months of occurrence of higher values of Gonado Somatic Index. In both males and females, the Kc value was highest in April during the major hydrological warm season. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the variation in the condition of D. angolensis may be related to sexual cycle or feeding intensity and perhaps to several other unknown factors generated by seasons.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v5n1a8