Observations on the length-weight relationship of pearl oysters

Abstract

The data taken up for analysis are from' Results obtained at the Pearl oyster Farm, Krusadai Island, Gulf of Mannar, and their application to problems relating to pearl fisheries in the Gulf of Mannar—Part I,' by Devanesan arid Chidambaram (1956), which shall hereafter be referred to simply as the' Report'. ' Several appendices of measurements and body weights are appended to this report not only for reference but also with the object of stimulating other interested workers to try and isolate more precious metal from the inadequately assayed ore.' It is found from the Report that the analysis done was only on age and length, age and body weight and age, length and body weight and that too limited to oysters up to the one and half year age group only. Direct analysis on length-weight relationship alone had not been attempted. Since not much of work has so far been done on the length weight relationship of Indian oysters, some of the raw data given in the Report were taken up for detailed analysis in an attempt to see whether any relationship exists between length and weight and if so, whether the relationship was the same for different groups and, if different, the probable reasons for the same and also to provide a better yardstick for predicting the time for pearl fishing.