Length-Weight relationship, Condition factor and length frequency of rock oyster, Saccostrea cucullata in coastal waters of Persian Gulf

This study aimed to achieve length frequency, condition factor and length-weight relationship of the rock oyster, Saccostrea cucullata in the coastal waters of Persian Gulf. Sampling was carried out by 0.25 m2 quadrat through intertidal zone from winter 2015 to autumn 2016. According to the results, length-weight relationship calculated as W=0.000004L2.79 for both sexes. In addition, coefficient of determination (R2) value was determined as 0.94. Furthermore, b value was significantly different from 3. Condition factor was estimated as 14.36, 16.87, 20.85 and 20.76 for autumn, winter, spring and summer, respectively. Mean length and weight were 34.4±4.96, 36.8±8.46, 30.25±7.1 and 33.31±4.31 cm and 8.9±7.57, 10.4±9.8, 10.9±6.11 and 7.8±4.19 g in spring, summer, autumn and winter , respectively. Maximum and minimum length were 97mm and 2 mm in spring and autumn, respectively. Maximum dry weight was found in winter (2.21g) and the minimum was determined in autumn (0.009 g). Maximum length frequency was observed in the 35-45 mm range class in all seasons. However, range class of 40-45 mm was also frequent in the spring. According to the nMDS results based on length and weight ordination, autumn was distinct from all seasons probably due to the juvenile recruitments in this season.