First report on morphometrics, length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of Solenocera hextii Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891 from Indian waters

The morphometric measurements, length-length relationships (LLRs), length-weight relationships (LWRs), and relative condition factor (K_n) of deep-sea mud shrimp, Solenocera hextii were estimated for the first time from the Veraval fishing harbour, Gujarat. The morphometric characters showed a significant (p < 0.01) difference between sexes. The highest coefficient of variation was observed in carapace width for both males (11.58 %) and females (13.34 %). The LLRs showed highest growth rate in carapace length followed by abdomen length and carapace width. The sex ratio showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference between males and females. The average total length of female (6.58 cm) shrimp was higher than male (5.85 cm) shrimp. The ANCOVA reveals significant differences in the total length-weight and carapace length-weight relationships between males and females. The females exhibited higher b values in the relationships (W = 0.0138 TL^2.7909; W = 0.2526 CL^2.2377) compared to the males (W = 0.0429 TL^2.1267; W = 0.3565 CL^1.8829). The b value of all relationships indicates negative allometric growth (b<3) for both males and females. No significant difference was observed in the average K_n value between the sexes.