Age and growth of Schizothorax waltoni (Cyprinidae: Schizothoracinae) in the Yarlung Tsangpo river, China

作者:Zhou, Xian-Jun; Xie, Cong-Xin*; Huo, Bin; Duan, You-Jian; Yang, Xin; Ma, Bao-Shan
来源:Journal of Applied Animal Research, 2017, 45(1): 346-354.
DOI:10.1080/09712119.2016.1194842

摘要

To better understand the biology of Schizothorax waltoni, the age structure and growth characteristics of S. waltoni were examined. The standard length (SL) range was 41-642 mm and the body weight (BW) range was 1.1-3788.1 g. Otoliths continually grew with increasing SL and increasing age, but asymmetrically over time. One annulus was formed each year, between April and July. Estimated age range was 4-37 yr for males, 4-40 yr for females, and 1-9 yr for those of undetermined sex. The SL-BW relationship was described as BW = 1.365 x 10(-5) SL2.984 for females, BW = 1.238 x 10(-5) SL2.999 for males, and BW = 3.664 x 10(-5) SL2.800 for undetermined specimens. The von Bertalanffy function was used to model the observed length-at-age data as Lt = 644.3 {1 -exp [-0.084(t -0.247)]} for females, and Lt = 586.2 {1 - exp [-0.084(t + 2.250)]} for males. Females grew faster than males. Knowledge of this species' characteristics of slow growth and a long life will be useful for establishing reasonable management practices for its conservation.