Growth Dynamics and Health Assessment of Endangered Caspian Sea Sturgeons: Length-Weight Relationships, Condition Factor, and Reproductive Insights

Bibak, Mehdi; Forouhar Vajargah, Mohammad

doi:10.22034/a-see.2026.2072720.1015

Growth Dynamics and Health Assessment of Endangered Caspian Sea Sturgeons: Length-Weight Relationships, Condition Factor, and Reproductive Insights

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mehdi Bibak ¹

Mohammad Forouhar Vajargah ²

¹ Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran

² Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guilan, Sowmeh Sara, Iran

10.22034/a-see.2026.2072720.1015

Abstract

This study investigated the condition factor (K) and length-weight relationship (LWR) of Acipenser persicus and Acipenser stellatus in the Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea to assess their health and growth dynamics. The condition factor, calculated as K = (W/L3) × 100, revealed values of 0.50 for A. persicus and 0.39 for A. stellatus, indicating a slim body condition likely due to nutritional stress or environmental constraints. The LWR, expressed as W = aLb, showed negative allometric growth (b < 3) for A. persicus, suggesting slower weight gain relative to length, and positive allometric growth (b > 3) for A. stellatus, indicating faster weight gain. Significant correlations were found between total length, total weight, and ovarian egg weight in both species, highlighting the reproductive potential of larger individuals. The predominance of mid-sized individuals and scarcity of larger ones suggest overfishing as a contributing factor to population declines. These findings underscore the need for species-specific management strategies, including reduced fishing pressure and habitat restoration, to support the conservation of these critically endangered sturgeons. Regular monitoring of K and LWR can provide valuable insights into population health and guide sustainable fisheries management in the Caspian Sea.

Keywords

Length-Weight Relationship (LWR)

Condition Factor (K)

Acipenser persicus

Caspian Sea

Subjects