Length-weight relationship and condition factor of common carp, cyprinus carpio in lake Naivasha, Kenya

This study aimed at determining the length-weight relationship (LWR), condition factor (K) and length at first maturity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Lake Naivasha, Kenya. The fish were sampled monthly using a gill net of mesh size between 1.5 to 5 inches. The lake was accessed using an engine boat from November 2013 to February 2014. A total of 520 fish of C. Carpio were sampled. Total length and weight of the fish were measured using measuring board (0.1cm) and digital weighing balance (0.1g) respectively. There was a significant difference of Length-weight relationships between males and females (p < 0.05) with ‘r’ values of 0.82 and 0.72 for males and females respectively. The growth exponent (‘b’ values) of the length weight relationship for the fish was 2.3 for males, indicating isometric growth and 1.9 for females, suggesting allometric growth. The condition factor was 1.23 ± 0.21 and 1.05 ± 0.13 for males and females respectively, indicating a good condition for C. Carpio of Lake Naivasha. The lower condition factor for females suggest that females were already spent during the period of sampling. The estimated length at first maturity for C. Carpio was found to be 47cm (Total Length).