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

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 of 2003 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, R^2=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 cm (FL) in Khouzestan waters according to the logistic model.