Abstract

Seventy-six Bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis, of different body sizes were selected for analysis of body composition parameters’ variables in relation to body size and condition factor. Each fish was measured, weighed, dried and powdered for the analysis of water, ash, fat and protein contents. It was observed that for Aristichthys nobilis, significant inverse correlation existed between water content (%), fat content (%wet weight) (r = 0.906) and protein content (%wet weight) (r = 0.847). Body weight has a positive influence on fat (%wet weight) (r = 0.453) and protein content (%wet weight) (r = 0.497) and a negative influence on water content (%) (r = 0.595). Total length has a positive influence on fat (%wet weight) (r = 0.507) and protein content (%wet weight) (r = 0.539) and a negative influence on water content (%) (r = 0.649). Condition factor has a significant inverse correlation on water content (%) (r = 0.701) and a significant positive correlation between fat (%wet weight) (r = 0.655) and protein content (%wet weight) (r = 0.581). However, equations were derived to describe these relationships. The equations of each constituent were estimated and were found to be highly significant (P < 0.001). The predictive equations can be used to estimate values of body composition with a fair amount of accuracy.

Key words: Aristichthys nobilis, body composition, condition factor, predictive equations.