Biometric assessment and reproductive biology of common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. communis) in Lake Arekit, Ethiopia: Fish management implication

Abstract

Biometric measurement provide crucial information on fish growth and aquatic habitat well-being. This study offers the first comprehensive elucidation on biometric indices and reproductive biology of Cyprinus carpio var. communis in Lake Arekit (Ethiopia). A total of 209 fish were collected (ranging between 8.8 and 51.3 cm in total length (TL), while 16.99–2,498.3 g total weight (TW)) using gillnets during June 2022 to May 2023. The overall sex ratio (male, M; female, F) was 1:0.66 and significantly varied from the hypothetical sex ratio (1:1) (χ² = 8.85, p < 0.05). The length-weight relationship of C. carpio var. communis was TW = 0.0392 × TL^2.792 with a ‘b’ value of 2.792, which indicated a negative allometric growth pattern with r² values of 0.99. The condition factor of C. carpio showed significant variations between sex and months, with a mean value of 4.01 ± 0.49 (p < 0.05) while the Fulton condition factor showed no significant difference between sexes and months. Fecundity variation was better correlated with length (AF = 152.06 × TL^1.879, r² = 0.795; p < 0.05) than with weight (AF = 1541.2 × TW^0.651, r² = 0.6523; p < 0.05). The fecundity ranged between 46,214 and 210,271 eggs/fish, with a mean of 127,516.6 ± 53,447.1 eggs/fish. Breeding activity peaks in March and June, coinciding with a rise in water temperature. The size at first maturity (Lm₅₀) was found to be 32.28 cm and 28.83 cm of total length for females and males, respectively. Our findings would be very beneficial in planning the sustainable management of C. carpio in Lake Arekit and nearby ecosystems.

Keywords:

• Allometric growth
• biometric measurements
• fecundity
• length at first maturity
• spawning period

RevieWING editor:

• Yahya Bakhtiyar
• Zoology
• University of Kashmir
• Srinagar
• Jammu and Kashmir
• India

SUBJECT:

• Fisheries science
• biodiversity and conservation
• freshwater biology
• zoology

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the Lake Arekit fishermen for their assistance during specimen collection.

Authors’ contributions

Solomon Wagaw and Yirga Enawgaw were responsible for the study’s design, project management, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as manuscript writing. Ahmed Aba Bulgu, Ayalew Sisay and Assefa Wosnie participated in the data analysis, results interpretation, and manuscript writing. Ashenafi Teklemariyam and Demeke Tegod participated in sample collection and manuscripit writing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All data that supports the findings of this study is available within the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Solomon Wagaw

Solomon Wagaw obtained his PhD in Aquatic Science, Fisheries, and Aquaculture from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. With extensive experience and expertise in these areas, the author has made significant contributions to the comprehension and control of aquatic ecosystems and the sustainable growth of fisheries and aquaculture.