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VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2026)
From flowing rivers to Himalayan lakes: Comparative growth, condition and environmental drivers of three sympatric snowtrouts
Authors
Farooq Ahmad Mir, Ajay Gupta, Javaid Iqbal Mir
Abstract
Length–weight relationships (LWRs), condition factor and environmental associations were comparatively examined in Schizothorax plagiostomus, S. esocinus and S. curvifrons from contrasting freshwater habitats of the Kashmir Himalaya. A total of 1,624 specimens collected between October 2023 and September 2025 were analysed. Weight increased strongly with total length in all species (R2=0.935–0.950). Pooled-sex growth was negatively allometric in S. plagiostomus (b=2.754) and S. curvifrons (b=2.807), whereas S. esocinus showed positive allometry (b=3.094). Condition factor differed significantly among species in River Jhelum but not in Dal Lake, indicating stronger interspecific differentiation in the lotic habitat. Species, habitat and their interaction significantly influenced condition factor. Dissolved oxygen showed the strongest positive association with condition in River Jhelum, whereas alkalinity was more strongly associated with condition in Dal Lake; temperature was negatively associated with condition in both habitats. The results demonstrate that growth form and somatic condition in Himalayan snow trouts reflect both species-specific biological traits and habitat-specific physicochemical conditions, providing an integrated baseline for ecological monitoring and conservation of these important cold-water fishes.
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Pages:64-67
How to cite this article:
Farooq Ahmad Mir, Ajay Gupta, Javaid Iqbal Mir "From flowing rivers to Himalayan lakes: Comparative growth, condition and environmental drivers of three sympatric snowtrouts". International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 64-67
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