Length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of the Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii) from Sungai Batang River, Indonesia

Abstract

The length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of the Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii) from Sungai Batang River, Indonesia were investigated. The fish were collected using bamboo stage-trap, portable trap and hand liftnet. A total of 120 males and 86 females (55-190 mm total length and 4-109 g weight) were analyzed using SPSS-16 software. There was no significance difference in the total length between sexes (P>0.05). However, female had body depth, body weight, the W/TL ratio and relative condition factor greater than male (P<0.05). About 27% of total catch falls within the range of 120- 129 mm TL. The heaviest catch (30.83%) weighed between 30 and 49 g. The W/TL ratio of H. temminckii female in the present study was higher than H. temminckii species from other different geographical areas. The fish grew negatively allometric (b=2.78-2.90). Outcomes of this study could be useful for fisheries management and conservation measures in this river. Keywords: allometric, Helostoma temminckii, length-weight, relative condition factor, Sungai Batang