Length-weight and length-length relationships of three fish species from the Heihe River, northwest China

Abstract

Length-weight (LWRs) and length–length (LLRs) relationships are reported for three fish species belonging to two families and two genera from the Heihe River, northwest China. Fish samples were collected using trap nets (mesh size 1 cm) in May and December of 2016, and April and October 2017. Standard length (SL) and total length (TL) for each individual were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm by digital slide caliper and each body weight (BW) was measured to an accuracy of 0.1 g using digital balance. The b-values for LWRs varied from 2.580 to 3.164 (r2 > .956). The results further indicated that the LLRs were highly correlated (r2 > .991; p < .01). This study presents the first references on LWRs for Gymnocypris chilianensis and Triplophysa hsutschouensis, and LLRs for G. chilianensis, Triplophysa leptosoma and T. hsutschouensis. This biometric data and their relationships are relevant to the management and conservation of local fishes and fisheries.