Biology of Cyprinus carpio communis from Dal Lake, Kashmir with Reference to Food and Feeding Habits, Length-Weight Relationship, and Fecundity

A total of 143 specimens of Cyprinus carpio communis were collected from Dal Lake, ranging in length from 144mm to 414mm, and in weight from 40g to 4450g. The length-weight relationship of the two sexes exhibited significant differences in growth co-efficient (b) and showed deviations from cube law (Male 'n' = 3.15 and Female 'n' = 2.80). Gut contents of the fish revealed that on an average, decayed organic matter (detritus) formed 45% of total food, while the remaining food consisted of both plant and animal matter. Arthropods and macrophytes formed the main or basic food, whereas, oligochaetes, protozoa, rotifers and algae constituted its secondary food. The molluscan and fish remains formed the incidental food. On the basis of gut content analysis, the fish was designated as detri-omnivore. Gastrosomatic index (Ga.S.I.) recorded highest value in July, while lower values were recorded in February. Condition factor (Kn) recorded highest value during March in both the sexes. Condition factor as well as gastrosomatic index exhibited a decreasing trend from higher length groups to smaller ones. Absolute fecundity of the fish varied from 3173 to 629230 and the relative fecundity fluctuated in the range of 21-230 with a mean value of 91.17. The largest length group exhibited higher fecundity than smaller ones, and its Go.S.I indicated the fish to be spring breeder.