The Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus, Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 1817) at the south-west coast of Senegal, West Africa

This study describes some biological parameters including length-weight relationships and condition factors of Epinephelus aeneus (Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 1817) in the western coasts of Senegal (Joal, Mbour and Soumbédioune). The 973specimens (average length 422.48 ± 133.79 mm and weight 1249.62 ± 1243.91 g) were monthly sampled from fishermen from January 2010 to June 2013. For each of the specimen, length (mm) and weight (g) were measured following standard equipments. Length-weight relationship was described by the equation: W = a Lb while the condition factor was determined using the equation: K = 100 (W/ L3). The values of the regression coefficient‘b’ obtained for the length-weight relationship for the species of Joal, Mbour and Soumbédioune were respectively 2.99, 3.00 and 2.96 having r² values respectively 0.975, 0.980 and 0.985. General well being of the fish of Joal, Mbour and Soumbédioune was found to be good, as indicated by the mean values of condition factor (1.311 ± 0.172 for Joal, 1.361 ± 0.165 for Mbour and 1.212 ± 0.147 for Soumbédioune), which was greater than 1. There was not a significant difference in condition factor between stations (Fisher LSD test, p > 0.05).