Age and growth of three Indian major carps from Hirakud reservoir

Abstract

Studies on the age and growth of three Indian major carps viz. Cotlo catlo (Ham). Cirrhino mrigolo (Ham) Dnd Lobeo rahita (Ham) based on scale and the length frequency data are presented. The markings on the sca les of these fishes were used as indices of age, aftar ascertaining the annual nature of formation of growth checks. It was found that in these three fishes rings were laid down almost during the same period i.e. May to August. The fesult obtained from scale study is compared with Petersen Method. A close agreement can be seen in their va lues obtained. Von Bertalanffy's growth equation was used for fitting the growth data obtained by scale study and it adequate ly describe the actual growth of those fishe s. The length at age and the rate of growth of these fishes were compared and it was found that rate of increase in length was faster during the initial periods of life and dec rease when they become old .