Length-weight relationship, condition factor dynamics, and feeding preference of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the rivers of Bataan, Luzon Island, Philippines

Mark Nell Corpuz; Roselle Rojero; Mark Anthony Ocampo; Emmarie Padilla

doi:10.3153/AR25008

EN

Length-weight relationship, condition factor dynamics, and feeding preference of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the rivers of Bataan, Luzon Island, Philippines

Abstract

There is a paucity of information on Philippine catfish (Clarias batrachus) thriving in fishery areas in Bataan, Luzon Island, and the Philippines. The study examined the length-weight relationship (W = aLb), condition factor, and stomach content of C. batrachus collected from two major river systems in Bataan (Orani and Bagac Rivers), Philippines. A total of 60 fish specimens (12.4–25.5 cm) were collected using a 12-v electrofishing gear and fishing net. Although the specimens from Orani were significantly larger than those from Bagac, the latter exhibited an isometric growth rate (b = 3). Orani population displayed a negative allometric growth (b < 3). Female and male samples, regardless of site variability, showed a statistically isometric growth rate (b = 3). The condition factor of C. batrachus was K = 1.0, irrespective of site and sex variation, signifying that the populations are in good condition. Five food items were detected in Bagac, with the Gobiidae family emerging as the predominant prey items based on number (48.89%), frequency of occurrence (100%), and weight (72.83 %). Orani recorded three food items, primarily macroinvertebrates (Chironomidae), accounting for 75 %N, 86.67 %O, and a frequency of 91.19%. The Index of Preponderance and Index of Relative Importance recognized Gobiidae and Chironomidae as the two most important food items in Bagac and Orani, respectively. The baseline dataset generated from this study is hoped to provide insights into the current population status of this important fishery resource for improved riverine conservation management.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The Animal Care and Use Committee of Peninsulares Ethics Review Board of the Bataan Peninsula State University (REDO.PROJ.OC026) approved protocols for animal experiments.

Thanks

The authors extend their gratitude to BPSU-RDO, DOST, and Iskolar ng Bataan for partially funding this study; they expressed reverence to the local fisherfolks of Tagumpay in Orani and Parang in Bagac for their assistance during fish collection and to the anonymous reviewers who provided constructive comments and recommendations.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Aquaculture and Fisheries Stock Assessment

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Mark Nell Corpuz ^*
0000-0002-2582-0772
Philippines

Roselle Rojero
0009-0000-0394-4478
Philippines

Mark Anthony Ocampo
0009-0001-6321-9355
Philippines

Emmarie Padilla
0009-0001-7773-7890
Philippines

Early Pub Date

February 1, 2025

Publication Date

March 28, 2025

Submission Date

July 6, 2024

Acceptance Date

August 1, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 8 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3153/AR25008

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA35NT98JL

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Corpuz, M. N., Rojero, R., Ocampo, M. A., & Padilla, E. (2025). Length-weight relationship, condition factor dynamics, and feeding preference of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the rivers of Bataan, Luzon Island, Philippines. Aquatic Research, 8(2), 70-78. https://doi.org/10.3153/AR25008

Öz

Length-weight relationship, condition factor dynamics, and feeding preference of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the rivers of Bataan, Luzon Island, Philippines

Abstract

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Thanks

References

Details

Primary Language

Subjects

Journal Section

Authors

Early Pub Date

Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

Cite