Analyzing population dynamics and growth patterns of Cyprinus carpio and Carassius carassius in Anchar Lake, Kashmir

The present study examines the population dynamics of Cyprinus carpio (common carp) and Carassius carassius (crucian carp) in Anchar Lake, Kashmir, through the analysis of length- weight relationships (LWR), growth patterns, mortality rates, exploitation rates, and recruitment dynamics. The length-weight relationships for both species exhibited negative allometric growth, with C. carpio showing a regression equation of log W = 2.80 log L – 1.56 and C. carassius showing log W = 1.52 log L + 0.01. Growth parameters were estimated using the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) yielding asymptotic lengths (L∞) of 31.60 cm for C. carpio and 30.00 cm for C. carassius, with respective growth coefficients (K) of 0.44 year–1 and 0.38 year–1. The total mortality rates were 1.26 year–1 for C. carpio and 1.54 year–1 for C. carassius, with fishing mortality rates of 0.44 year–1 and 0.79 year–1 respectively, indicating that C. carpio is subject to moderate exploitation (E=0.35) while C. carassius is overexploited (E=0.51). Recruitment patterns for both species were highest in spring and early summer, with C. carpio showing optimal recruitment between April and May. Virtual population analysis (VPA) and yield-per-recruit analysis revealed that C. carpio is currently harvested sustainably, while C. carassius faces overfishing risks. The study highlights the need for adaptive management strategies, including stricter fishing regulations and seasonal closures, to ensure the long-term sustainability of these fish populations in Anchar Lake.