Relative growth and morphometry of otolith sagittae of Pseudotolithus senegalensis (Val.) along the coastline of Cameroon
Abstract
Pseudotolithus senegalensis is among the most important commercial fishes in Cameroon. However, data on the life history of P. senegalensis are limited. This study analyzed the length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor of the fish, the relationship between the length and weight of fish and the length and weight of otolith sagittae. The fish (123) were collected for a period of three months (March-May) from the coastline region of Down Beach, Limbé, Cameroon. There was a significant (P<0.05) positive allometric relationship between the length and weight of the fish. However, no significant (P>0.05) relationship between the length class frequency of males and females was noted. Relationships between fish length and weight and otolith length and weight were described by linear regression models and significant correlations were obtained for all relationships. The highest correlation (r2 = 0.55) was between otolith length and fish weight and the lowest correlation (r2 = 0.14) was between otolith weight and fish weight. The results of this study demonstrate that fish length and weight and otolith dimensions have a positive allometric relationship; therefore, they could be a useful instrument for the assessment and evaluation of fish growth in stock and fisheries management.
