MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP OF PUMPKINSEED SUNFISH (LEPOMIS GIBBOSUS) FROM THREE RESERVOIRS OF NORTH-EASTERN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse the morphometric characteristics, length-weight relationship and condition factor of pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) from three reservoirs (Modrac, Vidara and Sniježnica) from the area of north-eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The total sample was 61 individuals. The following morphometric parameters were measured: total length, standard length, forked length, head length, mouth width, mouth height, first gill arch length, intestine length and body mass. Length-weight relationship was described by the equation: W=a TLb. Fulton’s condition factor (K) was determined using the equation: K=100 (W/L3). Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA to determine differences in morphometric characteristics of individuals between the sites (populations). L. gibbosus from all three populations showed positive allometric growth, and the highest value of condition factor was fish from the reservoir Vidara. In accordance with this result, most of the morphometric characteristics of individuals from the reservoir Vidara were significantly higher compared to individuals from Modrac and Sniježnica reservoirs. This result leads to the conclusion that the L. gibbosus adapted best in Vidara reservoir.