Growth status of Orange Chromide, Etroplus maculatus (Bloch) in Kayamkulam Lake, South Kerala (India)

This study is an attempt to describe the growth status of Orange chromide, Etroplus maculatus in Kayamkulam Lake, Alappuzha (Kerala). The length-weight relationship was analysed using the formula W= a L^b, which was further transformed into Log W = a+ b log L. The value of coefficient ‘b’ (2.80) of the LWRs was in the expected range of cubes law, but the value is significantly different (p<0.05) from isometric value three and followed allometric growth pattern. Studies on relative condition factor (Kn) of E. maculatus revealed that the variations in ‘Kn’ values can be related to spawning cycle as well as feeding intensity of fish. The study concluded that the lake condition is favourable for the growth of E. maculatus.