The Relationships between Shell Length and other Linear Measurements of Dog Conch (Laevistrombus canarium) Collected from the Subtidal Zone of Infanta, Pangasinan, Philippines: A Preliminary Assessment

The dog conch (L. canarium), known locally as “pingo” is an important resource harvested in the town of Infanta, Pangasinan. The species is targeted for its meat and shell. The species inhabits seagrass beds with diverse substrates. To date, its fishery remained subsistence or artisanal worldwide. The aim of the study is to provide baseline information on the relationships between shell length and other linear measurements of the species that can be used for its future management and aquaculture. Collection of samples was done through the aid of a commissioned fisher. Then linear measurements of the shell were assessed and subjected to regression analysis. Based on the result, SL and other linear measurements such as BW, AL, SW, SD and LT showed are related allometrically. These relationships can be expressed as: BW = 6.83 SL0.67; AL = 4.38 SL0.72; SW = 8.50 SL0.53; SD = 5.42 SL0.41; and LT = 1.39 SL0.09. These equations can be used to predict the values of BW, AL, SW, SD and LT with a known SL and differentiate local population from those in other areas.