Seasonal Variation in Length-weight Relationship, Condition Factor and Biological Indices of Snow Trout, Schizothorax esocinus (Heckel, 1838) Inhabiting River Jhelum of Kashmir Himalaya

The present study encompasses studies on the seasonal variation in various biological parameters of snow trout, Schizothorax esocinus collected from River Jhelum. The exponent ‘b' of the length-weight relationship depicted positive allometric growth type. Condition factor (K) was significantly (P<0.05) highest in autumn while lowest values were observed in spring and winter. Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) in both sexes was significantly (P<0.05) highest during the spring season (spawning phase) while the lowest value was observed during summer season (spent phase). Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) was significantly (P<0.05) highest in both sexes during the autumn season while as the lowest value was observed during winter season. The study provides information on health status and reproductive cycle of S. esocinus that could help in augmenting the production along with development of appropriate conservation and management strategies.