Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Fish Species in Shallow Freshwater Habitats from Khuzestan Province, Iran

This study evaluated Length-Weight Relationships (LWRs) and condition factor (K) of the juvenile and young adult fish from shallow littoral zones in some aquatic ecosystems located in Khuzestan province, Iran. In June 2015, the specimens were sampled using a seine net from the Shadegan Wetland, the Dez, and the Karkheh Rivers in the time period of increased juvenile recruitment. The LWRs of fish were calculated using linear regression log formula as log W=loga+blogTL, and the K estimated using K=W/L-3. A total of 18 species belong to 5 families collected in the stations. Exotic species comprised 33.33% of the total ichthyofauna. The variation of b-value ranges between 2.65 and 3.26, and the growth pattern is isometric in all species except Acanthobrama marmid. Since the amount of K was higher than one in all species, it can be concluded that the sampling stations are favorable for the growth of the fish. As a consequence of the decreased floodplain habitats in the surrounding of the water bodies, the shallow waters of littoral zones that have suitable features for the juvenile fish can play an essential role in the survival of the native fish fauna.