Length-weight relationship of pearlspot, Etroplus suratensis from the Vembanad Lake, Kerala collected using two common fishing practices, gill netting and scare line fishing was illustrated. Though both these fishing practices are operated year-round, significant variations were observed in their landings. For the present study, the length-weight relationship of a total of 2945 fishes, 1723 from gill netting and 1222 from scare line fishing were estimated. The regression parameter b ranged between 2.81 and 3.03 and was observed to be high in males. The b values of fishes caught through scare line fishing were more close to the isometric value than gill netting. Monthly variations in the b values estimated for both the methods were also presented. Similar to previous studies smaller size fishes were more in gill net catches. The output of the present study will be beneficial in formulating management measures for the conservation of Etroplus suratensis which forms a major brackishwater fishery along the coastal wetlands of Kerala.

LWR, pearlspot, gill net, scare line, Vembanad Lake