Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research JFAR

Vol. 5(1), pp. 043-053, January, 2020. © www.premierpublishers.org, ISSN: 9901-8810

Research Article
Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-
Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and
Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and Black Pomfret (Pampus
argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
1Fatema Akhter, 2Md. Abirul Islam, 3Md. Moudud Islam, *4Md. Mahiuddin Zahangir
1Lecturer, 2MSfellow, 3,4Assistant Professor, Department of Fish Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Fisheries,
Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Zakir Hossain Road, Khulshi, Chattogram-4225.

Fisheries management and conservation studies require the quantitative descriptions of general
well-being for the commercially important fishes. Pomfrets are one of commercially important
species in the Bay of Bengal and studies on general well-being are still unavailable. The present
study was conducted to know the general contentment of two commercially pomfret species
Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger by studying the length-weight relationship (LWR),
condition factor (K), relative condition factor (Kn), gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic
index (HSI) throughout the year. The LWR of P. argenteus and P. niger showed a negative
allometric growth pattern in both sexes. The K was found to vary throughout the year for P.
argenteus and P. niger but no significant differences were observed between months. The Kn was
highest in rainy and summer season in P. argenteus and P. niger respectively. The highest GSI
was observed in May and March for P. argenteus and P. niger respectively with concomitant
increase of HSI value. The second minor peak in GSI was also observed in October indicating a
probability of the second phase of spawning. This preliminary information will assist in the
successful conservation and management measures of pomfrets in the Bay of Bengal,
Bangladesh.

Keywords: Pomfret, Length-weight relationship, Condition factor, Gonadosomatic index and Hepatosomatic index

INTRODUCTION
The Bay of Bengal (BoB) is one of the world’s largest
marine ecosystem full of biological diversity, diverging
amongst coral reefs, estuaries, fish spawning and nursery
areas and mangroves. The marine fisheries sector has
been recognized as an important part of the economy of
Bangladesh. Total marine production is about 6.54 lakh
metric tons and its contribution to total fish production is
15.31% (DoF, 2017). Fish production from the Bay of
Bengal marginally increased over the last 10 years but its
relative share in fisheries production has declined. The
majority of the commercially targeted stocks are reported
to be over-exploited and there were significant drops in
catches during the last decades (DoF, 2017). The Bay of
Bengal, which is also a sustainable ecotourism hotspot
among tourists, is very rich in flora and fauna biodiversity
and supports a diverse number of fish species including
herring, shark, skate, ray, tuna, mullet, pomfret etc. The
pomfrets contribute a significant portion of the total
fisheries resources collected from the water of the BoB.
According to DoF (2017), about 11899 Mt. (0.28% of total
fish production of Bangladesh) pomfret was caught from
Bay of Bengal. The fish production has increased more
than five times (7.54 MT in 1983-84 to 42.76 lakh MT in
2017-18) over the last three decades but the production of
pomfret has decreased gradually over the last 10 years
(DoF, 2017). Pomfret belongs to the family Stromateidae,
order Perciformes, popularly known as “Chanda fish” in
*Corresponding Author: Md. Mahiuddin Zahangir;
Department of Fish Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of
Fisheries, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences
University, Zakir Hossain Road, Khulshi, Chattogram-
4225. Email: mmzahangir@cvasu.ac.bd
Co-Author 1Email: fatemasathi@cvasu.ac.bd;
2
Email: abirulislamsakib@gmail.com;
3
Email: moududfbb@cvasu.ac.bd

Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
Akhter et al. 044

“Bengali” are quite tasteful and have a high demand in the
market. The most common species found in the Bay of
Bengal are Chinese pomfret, Pampus chinensis; silver
pomfret, Pampus argenteus and black pomfret,
Parastromateus niger. Similar species also belong to
some other Asian countries like Kuwait, India, Korea,
China, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan (FAO,
1995).
Studies on the general well-being are important to
understand the degree of fitness, gonadal maturation and
reproductive success in fishes. Commonly used
parameters to monitor the well-being of fish are length-
weight relationships (LWR), condition factor (K), relative
condition factor (Kn) and hepatosomatic index (HSI). The
length-weight relationship is widely applied in fisheries
management as it provides information on stock conditions
(Bagenal and Tesch, 1978). The growth patterns of fish,
general health, habitat conditions, life history, fatness and
condition, as well as morphological characteristics can be
known from the length-weight relationship study
(Schneider et al., 2000 and Froese, 2006). However, LWR
differ among fish species depending on the inherited body
shape and the physiological factors such as maturity and
spawning (Schneider et al., 2000), and the LWR might
change over seasons or even days (Giosa et al., 2014).
Therefore, relationships may change during different time
periods illustrating the fullness of the stomach, general
condition of appetite and gonads stages (Flura et al.,
2015).
and enhancement of ovary weight. This vitellogenesis
activity can increase HSI and GSI (Cerda et al., 1996; Cek
et al., 2001; Menn et al., 2007). Studies on some aspects
of reproductive biology (Dadzie et al., 2000; Lone et al.,
2008; Dadzie and Seedo, 2008; Dadzie et al., 2008) of
silver and black pomfret were carried out from some other
parts of the world but no such report from Bay of Bengal
so far. So, this study will focus on the seasonal variation
cycle of two commercially important pomfret fish species
(Pampus argenteus, Parastromateus niger) from Bay of
Bengal and providing basic information necessary for its
successful propagation.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Sample collection and measurement
Fish specimens of P. argenteus and P. niger for this study
were collected from the fish landing center of Cox’s Bazar
district, Bangladesh throughout the year (Figure 1).
Biometric measurements for total and standard length
were recorded in centimeter (cm) and weights of individual
fish, gonad and liver were recorded in grams (g). Standard
length (SL) was measured from the tip of the snout to the
caudal peduncle by using a measuring scale. Gonads and
liver were collected after dissecting the fish and recorded
in grams (g) (Table 1).

An additional important biometric tool is the condition

factor and relative condition factor that was derived from
the LWR (Le Cren, 1951), and the condition factor/
Ponderal index/ Fultons condition factor is considered one
of the important factors influencing body composition and
indicates the general well-being of the fish (Fulton, 1904).
The relative condition factor measures the deviation of an
organism from the average weight in a given sample to
assess the suitability of a specific water environment for
the growth of fish (Yilmaz et al., 2012 and Abodi, 2015).
On the other hand, the hepatosomatic index value gives
useful information about the liver and body condition,
impact of water quality condition on it and also indicates
the status of energy reserved in fish liver. So, fish usually
have a smaller liver with less energy reserved in the liver
in a poor water environment (Cerda et al., 1996). The term
gonadosomatic index (GSI) is the percentage of gonad
weight to fish weight that expresses gonadal changes
quantitatively (Wootton, 1991) and is used as an indicator
of gonadal maturity and hence the spawning season of a
fish. HSI is related with GSI because of the vitellogenesis
process that synthesized vitellogenin in the liver. In fish,
vitellogenin is yolk precursor that is synthesized in liver and
induced by estradiol 17β (Guerreiro et al., 2002; Babin et Figure 1: Site for sampling in this study. Fish were caught
al., 2007; Yaron and Levani-Sivan, 2011). However, in the south patches fishing ground of the Bay of Bengal
vitellogenin is secreted in blood and transported into and collected from the fish trawler in fish landing center in
oocytes causing the accumulation in yolk and this Cox’s Bazar district. (Maps are collected and modified
accumulation responsible for the changes of oocytes size from banglapedia.org)

Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
 J. Fish. Aquacul. Res. 045

Table 1: Monthly variations of fish body parameters in Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger used in this
study
Pampus argenteus Parastromateus niger
Months No. of Length Weight Gonad weight Liver No. of Length Weight Gonad weight Liver
fish (cm) (g) (g) weight fish (cm) (g) (g) weight
Male Female (g) Male Female (g)
January 10 14.8- 147.53- 0.18- 0.32- 0.39- 15 23.6-26.2 408.2- 0.28- 1.51- 2.62-
16.1 159.79 0.64 0.78 1.24 598.2 1.28 5.59 5.21
February 10 16.4- 165.97- 0.36- 2.32- 0.90 - 15 24.3-28.2 455- 3.39- 3.93- 5.89-
17.4 497.9 0.95 5.54 2.8 701.8 6.80 18.70 10.93
March 07 15.0- 159.59- 0.23- 2.01 0.47- 13 22.3-27.4 401.9- 3.01- 6.63- 2.63-
17.2 172.08 0.70 1.05 575.08 5.9 18.48 6.32
April 12 13.0- 98.15- 0.20- 0.9- 0.47- 15 22.5-24.2 327.2- 1.21- 13.54- 2.22-
18.8 272.42 0.90 12.36 3.21 475.0 2.80 19.37 4.50
May 11 16.4- 184.65- 0.33- 2.84- 1.66 - 12 23.7-27.8 452.6- 1.47- 2.42- 3.55-
24.3 617.6 1.72 7.53 9.9 652.6 3.08 18.66 6.17
June 08 13.5- 118.39- 0.21- 0.29- 0.46- 18 20.1-27.3 275.0- 0.14- 0.4 - 1.43-
15.3 131.93 0.39 0.30 1.01 592.4 0.42 6.07 3.06
July 06 15.3- 152.73- 0.24- 0.26- 0.75- 17 19.1-30.6 234.2- 0.02- 0.12- 1.06-
16.0 176.63 0.82 0.86 1.43 879.6 0.47 7.09 7.56
August 11 13.1- 107.29- 0.06- 0.06- 0.61- 15 18.3-20.6 182.4- 0.05- 0.14- 1.30-
14.5 163.67 0.28 0.22 0.97 335.6 0.61 0.40 2.02
September 06 14.0- 126.3- 0.10- 0.32- 0.37- 15 20.0-25.8 246 - 0.06- 0.46- 1.25-
15.0 163.67 0.31 0.49 1.03 510 0.76 3.77 5.42
October 12 16.4- 178.6- 0.14- 0.30- 0.43- 15 16.7-30.9 152.2- 0.08- 0.57- 0.90-
21.2 404.4 0.47 5.97 3.21 936.6 2.93 14.79 7.59
November 12 13.4- 110.78- 0.12- 0.14- 0.57- 16 24.2-26.9 477.8- 0.56- 1.08- 3.86-
17.8 250.88 1.06 0.84 1.90 740.8 2.25 4.48 6.90
December 08 12.9- 89.26- 0.18- 0.22- 0.31- 15 24.6-27.9 489.6- 0.89- 1.13- 2.91-
16.3 165.17 0.62 0.43 1.18 688.4 1.89 2.37 4.33
Length-weight relationship condition or status of the liver and the body. The value of
HSI was calculated on a monthly basis by using the
The relationship between length (SL) and weight (TW) of equation (Busacker et al., 1990).
any species is represented by using “length-weight HSI=
Liver weight (g)
𝑥 100
relationship” (LWR) formula. The relationship between the Total weight of fish (g)

length and weight of the fish samples were calculated

using the equation (Le Cren, 1951): Gonadosomatic index (GSI)
b
TW = qSL Gonadosomatic index (GSI) plays a major role as there is
Where, TW is the total weight (expressed in g), SL is the a cyclic change in gonad weight in relation to total body
standard length (expressed in cm), “q” is a co-efficient weight (Nieland and Wilson, 1993; Jons and Miranda,
related to body form and “b” is an exponent indicating 1997; Smith, 2008). The GSI was calculated by month-
isometric growth when equal to “3”. This power curve wise and sex-wise using the weight of the gonad by the
equation was converted into a linear form by the use of following equation (Vladykov, 1956):
natural logarithms (Le Cren, 1951): Weight of gonad
GSI= 𝑥 100
Ln TW = Ln q + b Ln SL Total body weight of fish

Condition factor (K) and Relative condition factor (K n) Statistical analysis

Condition factor/Ponderal index/Fultons condition factor
(Fulton, 1904) were estimated using formulae- K =
100*TW/SL3. Where, TW= weight of fish in gram (g) and
SL= length of fish in centimeter (cm). Relative condition
factor, Kn is defined as Wo/Wc. Where, Wo is the observed
weight and Wc is the calculated weight (Le Cren, 1951).
Hepatosomatic index (HSI)
Hepatosomatic index (HSI) is the ratio of the liver weight
to body weight, which gives information about the
The correlation coefficient (R2) was determined between
SL with weight and GSI with HSI. Collected data was
subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) between
months followed by comparison of means by Tukey’s HSD
test using SPSS v 24.0 to determine significance of each
data group. Significant differences were indicated by p-
values <0.05. All statistical analysis was performed using
Origin (v 6.0, Microcal Corporation), Microsoft excel
worksheet and results were presented as mean ± standard
error of the mean.

Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
Akhter et al. 046

Figure 2: Length-weight relationship of male and female of Pampus argenteus and

Parastromateus niger collected from the Bay of Bengal throughout the year (n= 5-14 per
months of both sexes for both species).
RESULTS
Seasonal variation in length-weight relationship of the
fish
The standard length-weight relationship of P. argenteus
and P. niger were TW= 0.0688SL2.833 and TW=
0.0638SL2.782. The logarithmic regression equations of
length-weight relationship in male, female and pooled
(both sexes) of P. argenteus were logTW = -0.7692 + 2.51
logSL, logTW = -1.7553 + 3.29 logSL and logTW = -1.1619
+ 2.83 logSL respectively. In case of P. niger, the
logarithmic regression was logTW = -1.223 + 2.80 logSL,
logTW = -1.168 + 2.76 logSL and logTW = -1.196+ 2.782
logSL for male, female and pooled (both sex) respectively
(Figure 2). The regression coefficient (b) of male, female
and pooled was 2.51, 3.29 and 2.83 respectively in P.
argenteus and 2.80, 2.76 and 2.78 respectively in P. niger.
In the present study, the average value of ‘b’ in P.
argenteus and P. niger were found lower than 3.0 in both
species, which indicates that fishes become slenderer as
they increase in length and the growth pattern was
negative allometric.
Seasonal variation in condition factor of the fish
The monthly variation of the body condition values of P.
argenteus and P. niger are shown in Figure 3. The poorest
body state in December (4.01) and January (4.05) in male
and female respectively, and the highest value of their
condition was observed during March (4.5) in females and
in August (4.64) for male P. argenteus. No significant
differences were observed between months and also
between male and female. Similarly, in P. niger the lowest
value in condition index was observed in March (2.89) and
December (3.02) in male and female respectively. On the
other hand, the highest value of condition factor was
observed during June (3.44 in female and 3.51 in male).
However, condition factor significantly was observed only
in March between male and female. Moreover, no
significant differences were observed between months
and sex.
Studies on seasonal variations in their relative condition
factor are presented in Table 2. In the case of P.
argenteus, no significant differences were observed
throughout the year. Whereas, the higher relative condition
index was recorded in summer, autumn and winter months
compared to spring seasons in P. niger. Differences in
relative condition factor were found in winter and rainy
season in P. argenteus and P. niger.
Seasonal variation in hepatosomatic index (HSI) of the
fish
Monthly changes of HSI values for both sexes of P.
argenteus and P. niger are presented in Figure 4. In the

Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
 J. Fish. Aquacul. Res. 047

Figure 3: Condition factor of male and female of Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger collected from the Bay of
Bengal throughout the year (n= 5-14 per months of both sexes for both species). Values are presented as Mean ± SEM.
Different subscripts of letters (black letters for P. argenteus and blue letters for P. niger) indicates the significance
difference between months (p˂ 0.05). Asterisk (*) indicates the difference in male and female analyzed by t-test at p˂
0.05.

Table 2: The relative condition factor (Kn) for Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger from the Bay of Bengal.
Season P. argenteus P. niger
Summer (May, June) 1.01 ± 0.0559a 1.03 ± 0.0710b
Rainy (July, August) 1.03 ± 0.0431 a 0.98 ± 0.0826ab, *
Autumn (September, October, November) 1.02 ± 0.0619 a 1.02 ± 0.0638b
Winter (December, January, February) 0.98 ± 0.0989 a 1.01 ± 0.0518b, *
Spring (March, April) 0.98 ± 0.0965 a 0.96 ± 0.0760a
Values are presented as Mean ± SD. Different subscripts of letters indicate the significance difference between seasons
(p˂ 0.05). Asterisk (*) indicates the difference in P. argenteus and P. niger analyzed by t-test at p˂ 0.05.

Figure 4: Hepatosomatic index (HSI) of male and female of Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger collected from
the Bay of Bengal throughout the year (n= 5-14 per months of both sexes for both species). Values are presented as Mean
± SEM. Different subscripts of letters indicate the significance difference between months (p˂ 0.05). Asterisk (*) indicates
the difference in male and female analyzed by t-test at p˂ 0.05.
case of P. argenteus, the highest values of HSI were found Seasonal variation in gonadosomatic index (GSI) of
in May for both males (1.14) and females (1.60). The the fish
lowest value of HSI were (0.42) in September for males
and in June for females (0.41). Whereas, the highest HSI The GSI value ranged from 0.04 to 14.2 with lowest
value of female P. niger was observed in February (1.51) average (0.13) in August and highest (5.43) in June in
and lowest in June (0.59). HSI value of male P. niger was female P. argenteus (Figure 5). In male, the highest (0.69)
highest in February (1.36) and lowest in July (0.51). Sex and the lowest (0.12) mean of GSI was recorded in May
difference HSI value was observed in February, April and and July respectively (Figure 5). Increasing of GSI value
May in P. argenteus and March to April in P. niger. was also observed in October compared to neighboring

Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
Akhter et al. 048

Figure 5: Gonado-somatic index (GSI) of male and female of Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger collected from
the Bay of Bengal throughout the year (n= 5-14 per months of both sexes for both species). Values are presented as mean
and standard error of the mean.

months in both sexes, which may indicate second
spawning season. In the case of female P. niger, GSI
gradually increased from January to April, then it sharply
decreased in May with the lowest value in August (0.12).
After that, a continue increase in GSI value was observed
with a peak in October which was relatively higher to other
surrounding months. In case of male P. niger, GSI value
reached a peak in March and then decreased until May.
However, GSI value was also lowest in August (0.067) in
males. The second peak in October was not as prominent
in males as in females (Figure 5).
GSI and HSI relationship
management and fisheries science using quantitative
description as a basic tool for natural populations (Ricker,
1975; Froese, 2006; Tsoumani et al., 2006; Britton and
Davies, 2007). The degree of fitness of fish can vary due
to environmental, physiological and nutritional factors in
any particular habitats. The monthly data which we
collected during our study confirmed seasonal variation in
length-weight relationship, condition factor, hepatosomatic
and gonadosomatic index for two commercially important
pomfret species (P. argenteus and P. niger) from the Bay
of Bengal by studying their quantitative morphology and
results shows that, both the species of pomfret are
physiologically in good state.

The linear relationship between GSI and HSI were y =
0.4549x - 0.041 and y = 4.3676x - 1.8583 in male and
female P. argenteus with R2 = 0.6328 and 0.6947
respectively (Figure 6) indicating the moderately strong
positive correlations between the gonad weight and liver
weight especially in females. Positive moderate
correlations were also recorded in male P. niger (y =
1.1273x - 0.5236, R2= 0.6026). Though the relationship is
positive (y = 2.6311x - 1.2739, R2= 0.3601) in female P.
niger, the relationships was weak in between GSI and HSI.
DISCUSSION
Assessment of general conditions of fish for reproductive
biology is essential for the successful conservation and
Length-weight relationship
In the present study, the length-weight relationship
showed the negative allometric growth pattern in both
species. If 'b' is equal to 3.0, growth is isometric, meaning
shape does not change as fish grow and when the value
'b' is higher than 3.0 indicates a population where fish
become more heavier as length increases and when the
value of 'b' less than 3.0 represents fish grow more in
length than weight. The highest ‘b’ value was found in
female P. argenteus and male P. niger. The higher
exponential value (b value) of female indicates the faster
weight gain rate in relation to its length whereas a low
exponential value in male implies a low growth rate in P.
argenteus. The weight gaining scenario is vice-versa in P.
niger compared to the P. argenteus where male gained

Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
 J. Fish. Aquacul. Res. 049

Figure 6: Relationship of gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic index between male and female Pampus argenteus and
Parastromateus niger collected from the Bay of Bengal in different months of the year. Linear lines are plotted by taking
average of GSI and HSI from each month.
higher weight compared to female. Variation in growth rate
even in the same species during different months is
influenced by many factors such as environmental, food
supply, ecological conditions of the habitats or variation in
the physiology (Le Cren, 1951). However, the correlation
coefficient ‘R2’ between log length and log weight for males
and females of P. argenteus (0.91 and 0.93) and P. niger
(0.95 and 0.95) indicates a good correlation between
length and weight in both species (Figure 2). The pooled
data of both sexes (b < 3 in both species, Figure 2) also
shows negative allometric growth pattern, which means an
increase of weight in either species, is not proportional to
the increment in body length. Pati (1981); Pawarti and
Herianti (1987); Lee et al., (1992); Mitra (2001) and
Rahman et al., (2004) have also recorded the allometric
growth pattern in P. argenteus. Khan et al., (1992)
demonstrated the length-weight relationship of P. niger,
along the Kerala coast as log W = -4.26513 + 2.7921841
log L with negative allometric growth pattern. Hadisubroto
and Subani (1994) showed the length-weight relationship
of P. niger from South Kalimantan in the equation of log W
= -1.2044 + 2.6415 log L (r = 0.98) with negative allometric
growth type. While Mustafa (1999) established the fork
length-weight relationship of P. niger along the Bay of
Bengal waters of Bangladesh as W = 0.0211L3.0120, which
indicated isometric growth of the species.
Condition factor (K)
Information regarding seasonal variations in fish body
condition in relation to both the internal and external
environment becomes an utmost necessity in fishery
biological studies. Various investigators (Lawson et al.,
2013; Assefa and Getahun, 2014; Ahmed et al., 2017;
Getso et al., 2017; Kumar et al., 2017; Melaku et al., 2017;
Muchlisin et al., 2017) documented condition factor as the
degree of expressing wellbeing of fishes in their habitat
(aquaculture and wild fishery). In another way, it is an
indication of various biological and ecological factors
indicating their feeding conditions (Nehemia et al., 2012).
As food availability in the water bodies are influenced by
the changes in the water chemistry due to variations in the
atmosphere and the surrounding environments (Pothoven
et al., 2001), higher body condition is correlated with high
energy content, adequate food availability, reproductive
potential and favorable environmental conditions (Pauker
and Rogers, 2004). In this study, the lowest K value was
observed during January, April, September and October in
female and during March, October and December in male
P. argenteus. The highest K value was observed in June
for both sexes in P. niger while, lowest K values were
recorded in December and March in male and female
respectively (Figure 3). The condition of a fish may be
driven to great variations due to physiological,
environmental, nutritional and biological cycles. Condition
factor also reveals that variation happens seasonally due
to sex and gonad development (Engdaw, 2014). This is
due to a large part of the energy is invested for growth and
reproduction, which effects the lower body condition of
fishes (Abera et al., 2014).
Finding the relative condition factor (Kn) has got great
significance for understanding the nutritional and biological
cycle of a fish. According to Le Cren (1951), the value of
Kn above 1 indicates good health of the fishes and Kn lower
than 1 indicates poor condition of fish. An overall fitness
for fish species is assumed when Kn values are equal or
close to 1. In this study, we found seasonal fluctuations in

Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
Akhter et al. 050
Kn values only in P. niger with lower Kn values in rainy
season and spring. No significant differences were
observed in P. argenteus in different seasons but lower Kn
values was in winter and spring periods. The low Kn values
during those periods especially in spring may be due to the
low water temperature, low food supply, breeding season
and parasitism. The highest values in the rest of the year
indicate the good habitat condition that is suitable for
successful maintenance in their progeny.
Hepatosomatic index (HSI) and Gonadosomatic index
(GSI)
The healthy condition of the liver is an indicator of
metabolic activity and healthy life (Pyle et al., 2005). The
ratio of liver weight to body weight is an indicator of energy
reserves in the fish in different environmental conditions
(Tyler and Dunn, 1976). So, to know the physiological state
of the fish, the hepato-somatic index (HSI) plays a vital
role. In the present investigation, maximum mean HSI
value were found in May and February in case of both
sexes of P. argenteus and P. niger respectively, which
indicates the period of maximum growth (Figure 4). In
other months HSI value varies depending on the seasons
in both species and sex. Yang and Baumann (2006) also
reported that, seasonal variations in HSI in brown
bullheads from Lake Erie. When the food is available in
large amounts and conditions are favorable it causes an
increase in the HSI value. Higher HSI values in May and
February in P. argenteus and P. niger may be due to the
good water quality, environmental conditions and food
availability.
GSI is widely used as an index to examine the spawning
periods as it directly relates to gonadal development
(Yeldan and Avsar, 2000). Parameswarn et al., (1974);
Rheman et al., (2002) reported that GSI indicates the
gonadal maturity, which increases with the maturation and
development of fishes. An increase in GSI suggests that
spawning season is approaching, where the decrease in
GSI suggests spawning has occurred. Gradual increase of
the GSI in the pre-spawning period, reaching a peak during
the spawning period and sudden decrease in the post-
spawning period had been observed for P. argenteus
(Lone et al., 2008). In both sexes of P. argenteus two
peaks of GSI were observed, one in May to June and
another one in October which indicates the incidence of
spawning. Hakima et al., (1983) reported that spawning of
P. argenteus in Kuwait waters took place from March to
August in both sexes, with 1st peak in April and 2nd peak in
August. Investigations on the reproductive activities of P.
argenteus in Kuwait waters by Dadzie et al., (2000)
indicates that, the species has a prolonged spawning
period in the Kuwait waters extending from May to August
in both males and females, with two spawning peaks, the
first in May and the second in August. Lee and Jin (1989)
reported that, spawning of P. argenteus in Eastern China
sea occurs from May to July. Pati (1982) also reported two
spawning periods extending from February to April with a
peak in April and other from June to August. Most of the
Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
studies showed that there were two spawning season of
P. argenteus, which shows similarity with the present study
(Lone et al., 2008; Dadzie et al., 2000).
In female P. niger, GSI value was higher during February
to April, but showed a peak in April, whereas, in male, it
was during February to March and a peak in March.
Highest HSI value showed a peak in February in both
sexes. Environmental conditions and availability of foods
may be favorable in February for P. niger. It may be
concluded that, P. niger spawns from February to April in
Bay of Bengal. Dadzie et al., (2009) reported the prolonged
spawning periods from February to September in Kuwait
waters. Sivaprakasam (1965) reported that, the spawning
season of P. niger extends from July to October with one
peak in August to September off Saurashtra coast. Bapat
et al., (1982) revealed that P. niger has a prolonged
spawning period extending from November to March off
Cochin. Furthermore, they also indicated that the species
spawns twice in a year with a major peak during June to
September and a minor one during January to February.
But the variations in spawning time in this species may be
due to non-homogeneous stock, variations in the water
temperature, photoperiods, spawning grounds and water
currents.
A positive linear relationship was also reported between
GSI and HSI in both P. argenteus and P. niger in both
sexes. HSI and GSI values were highest in May for P.
argenteus and in February in case of P. niger both in male
and female (Figure 4 and 5) which clearly indicates the
increment of GSI with increase of HSI. We can state that
the increasing of GSI and HSI concomitant with the
increase of ovary maturation level and gametogenesis.
According to Indira et al., (2013); the increment of GSI and
HSI concomitant with the increase of ovary maturation
level, gametogenesis and also related to with the
accumulation of vitellogenin in the oocytes as precursor of
yolk during vitellogenesis which is implicated an
enhancement of liver and gonads weight. Further
investigations on their gonadal development need to be
analyzed through histological examinations and
reproductive gene expression analysis throughout the year
for both species. Putting together, we can say, the overall
conditions of P. argenteus and P. niger are in good
physiological state in the Bay of Bengal.
CONCLUSION
Length weight relationship of P. argenteus and P. niger
were slightly deviated from the isometric growth pattern
and did not follow the cube law. The condition factor of
both species indicates the species were in good conditions
in their natural habitats in most of the months. As both
species are the members of the same family, results are
more or less similar in case of length-weight relation,
condition factor, GSI and HSI, which make the study more
reliable. This information is a contribution will helpful for a
better stock management in the Bay of Bengal.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors would like to express their sincere thanks to
all the lab members of the department of fish biology and
biotechnology and all the associated persons who helped
during sampling, analysis and reviewing process. The
authors also declare no conflict of interest among the
member of the entire research team.
REFERENCES
Abera L, Admassu D, Tadesse Z. (2014). Length-weight
relationship, sex ratio, length at maturity and condition
factor of African catfish Clarias gariepinus in Lake
Babogaya, Ethiopia. Int. J. Curr. Res. Biosci. Plant Biol.
1(1): 33-40.
Abodi SM. (2015). Weight-length models and relative
condition factors of nine (9) freshwater fish species
from the Yapei Stretch of the White Volta, Ghana. Elixir.
Appl. Zool. 79:30427-30431.
Ahmed EO, Ali ME, Aziz AA, Rafi EMK. (2017). Length-
weight relationships and condition factor of five
freshwater fish species in Roseires Reservoir, Sudan.
European J. Phys. Agri. Sci. 5(2): 26-33.
Assefa WW, Getahun A. (2014). Length-weight
relationship, condition factor and some reproductive
aspects of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in Lake
Hayq, Ethiopia. Int. J. Zool. Res. (4)5: 47-60.
Babin PJ, Carnevali O, Lubzens E, Schneider WJ. (2007).
Molecular aspect of oocyte vitellogenesis in fish. In: The
fish oocyte: from basic studies to biotechnological
applications. Springer. New York, 39-76.
Bagenal TB, Tesch FW. (1978). Age and growth. In:
Bagenal, TB Ed., Methods for Assessment of Fish
Production in Fresh Waters. 3rd ed., Oxford: Blackwell
Scientific Publications, Oxford. pp. 101-136.
Bapat SV, Deshmukh VM, Krishnamoorthi B, Muthiah C,
Kagwade PV, Ramamirtham CP, Mathew KJ, Pillai SK,
Mukundan C. (1982). Fishery resources of the
exclusive economic zone of the northwest coast of
India. Technical report. CMFRI, Kochi.
Britton JR, Davies GD. (2007). Length–weight
relationships of the invasive topmouth gudgeon
(Pseudorasbora parva) in ten lakes in the UK. J. Appl.
Ichthyol. 23: 624–626.
Busacker GP, Adelman IR, Goolish EM. (1990). Growth.
In: Schreck CB, Moyle PB (Eds.). Methods for Fish
Biology. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda,
Maryland. USA: 363-387.
Cek S, Bromage N, Randall C, Rana K. (2001).
Oogenesis, hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic
indexes, and sex ratio in rosy barb (Puntius
conchonius). Turk. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1:33-41.
Cerda J, Calman BG, Lafleur Jr. GJ, Limesand S. (1996).
Pattern of vitellogenesis and follicle maturational
competence during the ovarian follicular cycle of
Fundulus heteroclitus. Gen. Comp.
Endocrinol.103(1):24-35.
Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
J. Fish. Aquacul. Res. 051
Dadzie S, Abou-Seedo F, Gomes T. (2009). Reproductive
aspects of black pomfrets, Parastromateus niger in the
Kuwait waters of the Arabian gulf. Asian Fish. Sci. 22:
265-275.
Dadzie S, Abou-Seedo F, Manyala JO. (2008). Length–
length relationship, gonadosomatic index, condition
factor, size at maturity and fecundity of Parastromateus
niger (Carangidae) in Kuwaiti waters. J. Appl. Ichthyol.
24: 334–336.
Dadzie S, Abou-Seedo F, Shallal A. (2000). Reproductive
biology of the silver pomfret Pampus argenteus
(Euphrasen) in Kuwait waters. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 16:
247-253.
Dadzie S, Abou-Seedo F. (2008). Reproductive guilds
(maturation, spawning frequency and fecundity) in the
black pomfret, Parastromateus niger (Carangidae) in
the Kuwaiti waters of the Arabian Gulf. J. Appl. Ichthyol.
24:562–568.
DoF (2017). Yearbook of fisheries statistics of
Bangladesh, Department of Fisheries. Bangladesh.
Engdaw F. (2014). Morphometric relations, diet
composition and ontogenetic dietary shift of
Labeobarbus intermedius (Ruppell, 1836) in Lake Tana
gulf of Gorgora, Ethiopia. Int. J. Fish. Aquac. 6(11):124-
132.
FAO (1995). Yearbook of fishery statistics. Catches and
landings. Vol. 80, 302-306.
Flura, Zaher M, Rahman BMS, Rahman MA, Alam
MA, Pramanik MMH. (2015). Length-weight
relationship and GSI of hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha
(hamilton, 1822) fishes in Meghna river, Bangladesh.
Int. J. Natl. Soc. Sci. 2:82-88.
Froese R. (2006). Cube law, condition factor and Length
Weight relationships: history, meta-analysis and
recommendations. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 22: 241-253.
Fulton TW. (1904). The rate of growth of fishes. 22nd
Annual Report of the Fishery Board of Scotland. 3: 141-
241.
Getso BU, Abdullahi JM, Yola IA. (2017). Length-weight
relationship and condition factor of Clarias gariepinus
and Oreochromis niloticus of Wudil River, Kano,
Nigeria. Agro-Sci. 16 (1):1-4.
Giosa MD, Czerniejewski P, Rybczyk A. (2014). Seasonal
changes in condition factor and weight-length
relationship of invasive Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782)
from Leszczynskie Lakeland, Poland. Adv.
Zool. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/678763.
Guerreiro PM, Fuentes J, Canario AV, Power DM. (2002).
Calcium balance in sea bream (Sparus aurata): the
effect of oestradiol-17beta. J. Endocrinol. 173:377-385.
Hadisubroto I, Subani W. (1994). The catch and
biological aspect of black pomfret (Formio niger) in
Kotabaru, South Kalimantan. J. Mar. Fish. Res. 85: 95-
102.
Hakima AR, Elah KMAA, Zahr CE, Akatsu S. (1983). The
reproductive biology of Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen)
(Family; Stromateidae) in Kuwaiti waters. KISR,
Technical Report 998. pp. 1-20.
Akhter et al. 052
Indira R, Arachi JP, Varadharajan D. (2013). Studies on
the reproductive biology of red jewel cichlid
Hemichromis bimaculatus (Gill, 1862). Int. J. Envir. Biol.
3(4):160-172.
Jons GD, Miranda LE. (1997). Ovarian weight as an index
of fecundity, maturity, and spawning periodicity. Fish.
Biol. 50: 150-156.
Khan MZ, Kumaran M, Jayaprakash AA, Scariah KS,
Deshmukh VM, Dhulkhed MH. (1992). Stock
assessment of pomfret off west coast of India. Indian J.
Fish. 39: 249-259.
Kumar A, Jitender KJ, and Vardia HK. (2017). Length-
Weight Relationship and Relative Condition Factor of
Clarius batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Gaurmati Fish
Farm, Kawardha, Chhattisgarh, India. Int. J. Curr.
Microbiol. App. Sci.6(12): 1425-1431.
Lawson EO, Akintola SL, Awe FA. (2013). Length-weight
relationships and morphometry for eleven (11) fish
species from Ogudu creek, Lagos, Nigeria. Advan. Biol.
Res. 7(4): 122-128.
Le Cren ED. (1951). The length–weight relationship and
seasonal cycle in gonad weight and condition in the
perch (Perca fluviatilis). J. Ani. Ecol. 20(2): 201-219.
Lee DW, Kim YM, Hong BQ. (1992). Age and growth of
silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) in Korean waters.
Bull. Natl. Fish. Res. Dev. Agency, Korea. 46: 31-40.
Lee TY, Jin JJ. (1989). Studies on the biology of pomfrets,
Pampus spp. in the Korean waters. 2. Gonadal
maturation and spawning. Bull. Korean Fish. Society.
22: 266- 280.
Lone KP, Ablani SA, Almatar S. (2008). Oogenesis,
histological gonadal Cycle, seasonal variations and
spawning season of female Silver Pomfret (Pampus
argenteus, Euphrasen) from the spawning grounds of
Kuwait. Pakistan J. Zool. 40(6): 397-407.
Melaku S, Getahun A, Wakjira M. (2017). Diversity,
relative abundance and some biological aspects of
fishes in Geba and Sor Rivers, Baro-Akobo Basin,
Southwest Ethiopia. Indo. American J. of Pharma.
Res.7(1):7384-7391.
Menn FL, Cerda J, Babin PJ. (2007). Ultrastructural
aspects of the ontogeny and differentiation of ray finned
fish ovarian follicles. In Babin, PJ, Cerda J, Lubzens
E(Eds.): The fish oocyte: from basic studies to
biotechnological applications. Springer. New York, 1-
37.
Mitra PM. (2001). Length-weight relationship of some
commercially important fish species of Hooghly
estuary. J. Inland Fish. Soc. India. 33 (2): 12-14.
Muchlisin ZA, Fransiska V, Muhammadar AA, Fauzi M,
Batubara AS. (2017). Length-weight relationships and
condition factors of the three dominant species of
marine fishes caught by traditional beach trawl in
Ulelhee Bay, Banda Aceh City, Indonesia. Croatian J.
Fish. 75: 104-112.
Mustafa MG. (1999). Population dynamics of penaeid
shrimps and demersal finfishes from trawl fishery in the
Bay of Bengal and implication for the management. Ph.
D thesis, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. p.223.
Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
Nehemia A, Maganira JD, Rumisha C. (2012). Length-
weight relationship and condition factor of tilapia
species grown in marine and fresh water ponds. Agric.
Biol. J. N. Am. 3(3): 117-124.
Nieland DL, Wilson CA. (1993). Reproductive biology and
annual variation of reproductive variables of black drum
in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Transact. American
Fish. Soc. 122(3): 318-327.
Parameswarn S, Selvaraj C, Radhakrisshnan S. (1974).
Observation on the biology of Labeo gonius (Hamilton).
Indian J. Fish. 21: 54-75.
Pati S. (1981). Observation of the length- weight
relationship of pomfrets from the Bay of Bengal.
Mahasagar- Bull. Natl. Instit. Ocea.14 (1): 83-85.
Pati S. (1982). Studies on the maturation spawning and
migration of Silver Pomfret, Pampus argenteus
(Euphrasen) from Bay of Bengal. Matsya.8: 12-22.
Pauker C, Rogers RS. (2004). Factors affecting condition
of flannelmouth suckers in Colorado River, Grand
Canyon, Arizona. North Am. J. Fish. Manage. 24: 648-
653.
Pawarti MDM, Hieranti I. (1987). Preliminary study on
biological aspects of silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus)
and black pomfret (Formio niger) in the north-coast of
East Java. J. Mar. Fish. Res. 42: 91-96.
Pothoven SA, Nalepa TF, Scheeneberger PJ, Brandt SB.
(2001). Changes in diet and body composition of Lake
Whitefish in southern Lake Michigan associated with
changes in benthos. North American J. Fish. Manag.
21: 876-883.
Pyle GG, Rajotte JW, Couture P. (2005). Effects of
industrial metals on wild fish populations along a metal
contamination gradient. Ecotoxiol. Environ. Safety. 61:
287-312.
Rahman MS, Rahman MA, Rahman MR, Kamal D. (2004).
Length weight relationship, condition factor and
harvesting records of silver pomfret (Pampus
argenteus) in the southwestern region of Bangladesh.
Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 7(4): 452-456.
Rheman S, Islam ML, Shah MMR, Mondal S, Alam MJ.
(2002). Observation on the fecundity and
gonadosomatic index (GSI) of Grey Mullet Liza parsia
(Ham.). J. Biol. Sci. 2(10):690-693.
Ricker WE. (1975). Computation and interpretation of
biological statistics of fish populations. Bulletin of the
Fisheries Research Board of Canada 191: 1–382.
Schneider JC, Laarman PW, Gowing H (2000). Length-
weight relationships. Chapter 17. In: Schneider, JC
(Ed.), Manual of Fisheries Survey Methods II: With
Periodic Updates, Michigan Department of Natural
Resources. Fisheries Special Report 25, Ann Arbor. pp.
1–18.
Sivaprakasam TE. (1965). Observations on the maturation
and spawning of the brown pomfret, Parastromateus
niger (Bloch) in Saurashtra waters. J. Bom. Natl. Hist.
Soc. 62(2): 245–253.
Smith OA. (2008). Reproductive potential and life history
of spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatus in the upper
Barataria estuary, Louisiana. Master’s Thesis. Nicholls

State University, Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Tsoumani M, Liasko R, Moutsaki P, Kagalou I and
Leonardos I. (2006). Length–weight relationships of an
invasive cyprinid fish (Carasius gibelio) from 12 Greek
lakes in relation to their trophic states. J. Appl. Ichthyol.
(4): 281–284.
Tyler AV, Dunn RS. (1976). Ration, growth and measures
of somatic and organ condition in relation to meal
frequency in winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes
americanus, with hypothesis regarding population
hypothesis. J. Fish. Res. Boar. Canada. 33(1):63-75.
Vladykov VD. (1956). Fecundity of wild speckled trout
(Salvelinus funtinalis) in Quebec Lakes. J. Fish. Res.
Boar. Canada.13(6): 799-841.
Wootton RJ. (1991). Fish ecology. Springer Science &
Business Media.
Yang X, Baumann PC. (2006). Biliary PAH metabolites
and the hepatosomatic index of brown bullheads from
Lake Erie tributaries. Ecol. Indicat.6: 567-574.
Yaron Z, Levani-Sivan B. (2011). Endocrine regulation of
fish reproduction. In: Farrell A (ed.). Encyclopedia of
fish physiology: from genome to environment.
Academic press, San Diego, 2:1500-1508.
Yeldan H, Avsar D. (2000). A preliminary study on the
reproduction of the Rabbitfish (Siganus rivulatus
(Forsskal. 1775)) in the Northeastern Mediterranean.
Turk. J. Zool. 24:173-182.
Seasonal Variations in Some Biological Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of Silver and
Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal
J. Fish. Aquacul. Res. 053
Yilmaz S, Yazicioglu O, Erbasaran M, Esen S, Zengin
M, Polat N. (2012). Length-weight relationship and
relative condition factor of white bream, Blicca bjoerkna
(L., 1758), from Lake Ladik, Turkey. J. Blac. Sea/Medit.
Environ. 18(3):380-387.
Accepted 8 October 2019
Citation: Akhter F, Islam MA, Islam MM, Zahangir MM
(2020). Seasonal Variations in Some Biological
Parameters (Length-Weight Relationship, Condition
Factor, Hepatosomatic and Gonadosomatic Index) of
Silver and Black Pomfret (Pampus argenteus and
Parastromateus niger) from the Bay of Bengal. Journal of
Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, 5(1): 043-053.
Copyright: © 2020 Akhter et al. This is an open-access
article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original author and source are cited.