The Length–Weight Relationships of 17 Freshwater Fishes Inhabiting Bosten Lake, China

Abstract

Bosten Lake is an important inland freshwater lake in China, which is rich in fishery resources. However, due to various factors, its fishery resources have declined. The length–weight relationship (LWR) is of great significance for fish research and fishery management. This study was based on the samples of 17 freshwater fish species collected from 10 sampling points in Bosten Lake from March 2023 to November 2024. The LWRs were determined, the regression parameters and the coefficient of determination (R²) were calculated, and the fish condition factor BW/TL³ was analyzed. The results showed that the b value of the LWR parameters of the 17 freshwater fish species ranged from 1.262 to 3.665. The b values of most fish species were within the expected range. The LWRs of all fish species were significantly different (p < 0.05), and the R² values ranged from 0.746 to 0.999. The LWR of Aristichthys nobilis was the strongest, and that of Rhodeus ocellatus was the weakest. This study reported for the first time the LWRs of Channa argus in the lake, and its b value was the highest, and the growth pattern was related to its ecological niche. The research results provide basic data and theoretical basis for fish ecology research, fishery resource management, and lake ecological protection.