Biometric analysis of brushtooth lizard fish Saurida undosquamis (Richardson, 1848) from Mumbai waters

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between various morphometric measurements and meristic counts, and to establish the length-weight relationships (LWRs) and length-length relationships (LLRs) of Saurida undosquamis based on specimens collected from New Ferry Wharf landing centre of Mumbai coast during September 2013 to June 2015. The morphometric variables for the species under study exhibited high level of correlation with each other. Based on present study results, the fin formula of S. undosquamis in Mumbai water can be written as B 13-15, D 11-13, P 13-15, V 9, A 10-11, C 18-20, L47-53. Different values of regression coefficient (b) and correlation coefficient (r) in LLRs illustrates that different organ grows differently. The values of the regression coefficient b in the LWRs equations (W = aLb) were 2.90, 3.04 and 2.99 for male, female and pooled individuals respectively indicating an isometric growth with high correlation coefficient (r2). These parameters are useful for evaluating the relative condition of fish as well as for subsequent biological and population based studies.