MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIAN MACKEREL (RASTRELLIGER KANAGURTA) LANDING AT THREE FISH HARBORS OF BALUCHISTAN, PAKISTAN

Abstract

In the present study fifteen morphometric characters of Indian mackerel, Rastrelliger kanagurta were studied. Collections were made from three fish harbors, Kund Malir, Sonmiani and Gadani, Baluchistan, Pakistan. The morphometric lengths (total length, fork length, standard length, head length, pre-dorsal fin length, pre-orbital length, eye diameter, lower-jaw length, pre-anal fin length, head depth, pectoral fin length, pelvic fin length, greatest depth and pre-pelvic fin length and pre-pectoral fin length) were recorded and the descriptive statistical parameters and correlation coefficient (r) were analysis with independent variable (total length) and dependent variable (other morphometric parameters). The result shows that morphometric parameters are highly correlated to total length. Coefficient of correlation (r) indicated highest positive correlation between total length and forked length (r = 0.961, r = 0.928 and r = 0.919 at Kund Malir, Sonmiani and Gadani, respectively).The maximum total lengths of R. kanagurta recorded in the present study were 26.1 cm at Kund Malir, 26.3 cm at Sonmiani and 29.0 cm at Gadani. This study provides knowledge to the biologists regarding morphometric characters of Indian mackerel, Rastrelliger kanagurta from the fish harbors of Baluchistan to help in planning of conservation strategies for this fish species.