Growth Pattern and Relative Condition Factor of Sillago sihama (Forsskal, 1775), from the Mangaluru Coast, India
Shristi Kumari
Department of Fisheries Resource Management, College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, KVAFSU, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
Nayana P.
Department of Fisheries Resource Management, College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, KVAFSU, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
N. Chethan *
Fisheries Research and Information Centre, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
K. B. Rajanna
Fisheries Research and Information Centre, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Vijayakumar S
Fisheries Research and Information Centre, KVAFSU, Bhutnal, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.
Amogha K. R.
Fisheries Research and Information Centre, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Manjappa N
Fisheries Research and Information Centre, KVAFSU, Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
H. N. Anjanayappa
Department of Fisheries Resource Management, College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, KVAFSU, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
Sanjay Kumar
Department of Fisheries Resource Management, College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, KVAFSU, Bidar, Karnataka, 575002, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present study investigates the length–weight relationship (LWR) of Sillago sihama, commonly known as silver whiting, collected from the Mangaluru coast between December 2024 and July 2025. The study involved 295 Sillago sihama specimens measuring from 13.4 to 27 cm total length (TL), with 215 males and 80 females included. For males, the length-weight equation was W=0.0298L2.5177, while for females, it was W=0.0118L2.8549. The relative condition factor (Kn) ranged from 0.996–1.004 in males and 0.985–1.063 in females. Analysis of 295 specimens (73% males, 27% females) revealed negative allometric growth for both sexes. Length–weight relationships are critical for estimating stock biomass, understanding population dynamics, and managing fisheries resources sustainably. The results confirm the progressive slenderization of the species with growth and provide a robust reference for future ecological and management assessments.
Keywords: Sillago sihama, Mangaluru coast, negative allometric growth, relative condition factor