Length – Weight Relationship of the Great seahorse, <i>Hippocampus kelloggi</i> (Jordan and Snyder 1902), inhabiting Coromandel Coast, Southeast coast of India

Abstract

In this paper we report the Length-Weight Relationship (LWR) of <i>Hippocampus kelloggi</i> inhabiting Coromandel Coast. Sampling period was from October, 2000 to September, 2001. Overall 537 individuals were sampled and all of them were caught from the bottom trawl nets. Sample size ranged from 55mm to 302 mm and the estimated <i>b</i> value was 2.7, 2.5 and 2 for males, females and juveniles respectively. The results indicate a negative allometric growth rate. Analysis of co-variance suggest that between the regression equation obtained for males and females no significant difference (P <0.01) was observed. The results presented in this study provides a baseline information on the LWR of <i>H.kelloggi</i>, a biological data deficient fish from Indian waters. The biological information obtained will help policy makers to prepare the much important management plan and conservation strategies for <i>H. kelloggi</i> or seahorses for Indian waters in near future.