First report on analysis of length-weight relationship and condition factors of<i> Ganjampenaeopsis uncta</i> (Alcock, 1905) from the Balasore coast, India

Length-weight relationship and condition factors are fundamental to stock assessment and growth analysis in fisheries science. However such biological data remain undocumented for Ganjampenaeopsis uncta from Indian waters. The present study aimed to eastablish the length-weight relationship and condition factors of G. uncta collected from Balasore coast, Odisha, India. A total of 224 fresh specimens were collected monthwise from commercial trawlers at Bhabalpur fishing harbour between July 2024 and February 2025. Ten morphometric character measured and statisctical analyses were conducted to determine sexual variation, growth structure and condition factors. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed between males and females morphometric traits, with high effect sizes (Cliff’s delta: 0.94–1.00), indicating minimal overlap between sexes. Females exhibited higher mean morphometric values with highest coefficient of variance (33.08%). The highest growth rate was observed in carapace length, followed by the abdominal length and carapace height. Total length-weight relationships were significant in both sexes (p < 0.05). Females displayed positive allometric growth, while males showed growth below the isometric expectation due to restricted size range. The carapace length-weight relationship was highly significant for both sexes (p < 0.001), with negative allometry. Most morphometric characters were significantly correlated. Condition factors was higher in females, while relative condition factors exhibit no significant sex differences. This research provide a baseline information on the length-weight relationship of G. uncta along the Balasore coast. These findings are crucial for conservation aspects, stock assessments, and formulation of minimum catch size regulation in the Indian fisheries .