Length‐weight relationships of four fish species from the continental shelf of Yucatán (SW Gulf of México)

This paper presents length‐weight relationships (LWR) for four fish species from the continental shelf of Yucatán, at the Sonda de Campeche (southwestern Gulf of México). Samples were taken using shrimp trawl nets (5.71 cm squared mesh size in the cod‐end) in the mid‐summer of 2016. All LWRs were significant with r² values ranged from .946 to .994 and the values of exponent b, estimated using simple linear least squares of log‐transformed weight and length data, ranged from 2.54 to 3.10 (p < .001).     

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

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.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships of five fish species from the Dadu River and its tributaries,southwest China

Length‐weight (LWRs) and length–length (LLRs) relationships are reported for five fish species belonging to two families and five genera from the Dadu River and its tributaries, southwest China. In total, 605 specimens were collected by electrofishing and gillnets (mesh size ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 cm) in May and October 2013, May and October 2014, May and November 2015, and April and October 2016. The b‐values for LWRs varied from 2.571 to 2.952 (r² > .915). The results further indicated that the LLRs were highly correlated (r² > .978; p < .01). The two LWRs, five LLRs, and two maximum lengths are presented to FishBase for the first time. This biometric data and their relationships are relevant to the management and conservation of local fishes and fisheries.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships of seven freshwater fish species from the Daning River,a tributary of the Yangtze River,southwest China

This study determined the length–weight relationships (LWRs) and length–length relationships (LLRs) of seven freshwater fish from the Daning River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, southwest China. Specimens were collected between July 2016 and July 2017 using drift gill nets (mesh size 1, 2 and 3 cm), cage net (0.5 cm mesh size) and electroshock fishing techniques quaterly. Parameter b values of LWRs ranged from 2.647 to 3.276 (r² > .963) and b values of LLRs ranged from 1.091 to 1.213(r² > .985). Six new LLRs and seven new maximum length data are presented. The biometric data and their relationships are relevant to Fishers science to supplement other data sets needed for fisheries management.     

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships of three small indigenous fishes from the Payra River,southern Bangladesh

Length‐weight relationships (LWRs) and length‐length relationships (LLRs) for three small indigenous fishes (Esomus danrica, Pachypterus atherinoides and Salmostoma bacaila) were reported from the Payra River, southern Bangladesh. Samples were collected using traditional fishing gear including cast net (mesh size ranges from 1.0 to 2.0 cm), seine net (mesh size ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 cm) and square lift net (mesh size ~ 1.0 cm) in August to September 2017. Allometric coefficient (b) values were 2.66 for E. danrica, 3.08 for P. atherinoides and 3.06 for S. bacaila. The LLRs were also highly significant with r² ≥ .956.     

Conch size evolution of Silurian–Devonian tentaculitoids

Conch size changes of tentaculitoids are reported from the Silurian and Devonian strata. The combination of measurements of diameters and apical angles allows the reconstruction of tentaculitoid volumes. The conch wall thickness and number of septa can be investigated through observations of thin sections. Within the examined groups, the average conch volume (including the adult part and the whole conch) of tentaculitids increased from the Llandovery to the Pragian and then decreased until the Frasnian. A similar trend was observed in the Devonian dacryoconarids, which peaked for average conch volume in the Emsian. Sea‐level change was probably the main factor controlling the conch volume of tentaculitids and dacryoconarids. The continuous decrease in the average number of septa and the average volume of tentaculitid and dacryoconarid juvenile part from the Pragian (or the Emsian) to the Frasnian indicates a reduction of juvenile duration and earlier reproductive behaviour. The ratio of adult part to juvenile part volumes increased from the Emsian to the Frasnian in tentaculitids, suggesting that the angle between the conch and the water–sediment interface decreased. The conch volume and thickness of the juvenile part and the adult part in all tentaculitoid groups demonstrated similar trends. The average volume of the initial chamber and the adult part of dacryoconarids changed synchronously, with the peak value in the Emsian. Homoctenids, with the smallest conch and the thinnest wall, probably lived in deeper water than dacryoconarids.     

Length‐weight relationships of Acanthopagrus longispinnis (Valenciennes, 1830), Raconda russeliana (Gray, 1831) and Coilia neglecta (Whitehead, 1967) from the Bay of Bengal coast,Bangladesh

Current study reports the length‐weight relationships (LWRs) of three marine fish species collected from the fishermen catches covering three seasons i.e., rainy, autumn and winter between June, 2016 and February, 2017. Fishermen caught the species using beach seine net (3.5 cm mesh size) and set bag net (0.5 cm mesh size) up to 200 m far away from the shoreline. The LWRs for fish species were W = 0.0180TL^3.192 for A. longispinnis, W = 0.0109TL^2.971 for R. russeliana and W = 0.0098TL^2.942 for C. neglecta with their r² values of 0.971, 0.962 and 0.997, respectively.     

Iterative ontogenetic development of ammonoid conch shapes from the Devonian through to the Jurassic

We measured longitudinal growth in conch cross‐sections of 177 Devonian to Jurassic ammonoid species to test whether conch ontogenetic development parallels the iterative evolution of pachyconic or globular conch shapes. Ontogenetic trajectories of two cardinal conch parameters, conch width index and umbilical width index, show a few common recurring ontogenetic pathways in terms of the number of ontogenetic phases. The most common, with three phases in the conch width index (decrease–increase–decrease) and umbilical width index (increase–decrease–increase), is termed here C‐mode ontogeny (after the Carboniferous genus Cravenoceras). Many of the studied globular Palaeozoic and Triassic species (of the latter, particularly the arcestid ammonoids) share principal patterns in the triphasic C‐mode conch ontogeny in closely related groups but also between unrelated groups as well. The repetition of conch growth patterns is an example of convergent evolution of the entire life history of globular ammonoids. The studied Jurassic globular shaped ammonoids deviate from the growth patterns seen in earlier groups showing less pronounced ontogenetic trajectories with nearly isometric or weakly asymmetric growth without distinct phases. This trajectory is termed here M‐mode ontogeny (after the Jurassic genus Macrocephalites). No major change in the ontogenetic modes of pachyconic and globular ammonoids occurred moving from the Palaeozoic into the Mesozoic; the survivors of the end‐Permian extinction event iteratively developed conch ontogenies similar to those of Palaeozoic forms. In contrast, the Triassic–Jurassic boundary marks the major event with the evolution of some cardinal conch parameters relating to globular ammonoid ontogeny.     

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships of two gobiid fishes Eleotris fusca (Forster, 1801) and Odontamblyopus rubicundus (Hamilton, 1822) from the Payra River,southern Bangladesh

The present study provides the estimates of length‐weight relationships (LWRs) and length‐length relationships (LLRs) of two gobiid fishes Eleotris fusca and Odontamblyopus rubicundus from the Payra River, southern Bangladesh. Fish samples were collected from the set bagnet (mesh size <2 mm) fishers of the Payra River in July 2016. Allometric coefficient (b) values were 2.95 for E. fusca and 2.76 for O. rubicundus. Additionally, the LLRs were highly significant with r² ≥ .955. While the estimate of the LWR for O. rubicundus includes a substantial larger sample size and thus provides a more reliable LWR than the one published so far, the LWR for E. fusca must be considered as tentative because the sample includes only juveniles for a fish that reaches a maximum standard length more than three times as much. Additional studies are needed to further improve our LWR knowledge base for these fish species.     

Length–weight relationship of 12 fish species from the Lhasa River and surrounding area in Tibet,China

Presented are the relationship between standard length (SL) and weight (W) for 12 fish species in Tibet, China, representing three families and six genera from the Lhasa River. All fish samples were collected by either electro‐shocker (12 V, 200 Hz), fish cages (mouth opening: 40 × 40 cm², 5 m), or drift gillnets (3 × 1.5 m; mesh‐size: 3 cm to 8 cm) from different areas in the Lhasa River Basin, August and September 2015. Parameter b ranged from 2.88 to 3.29, and all correlation coefficient (r²) values were higher than 0.95. Length–weight relationships (LWRs) for three of the species as well as one maximum length are first reports for FishBase.     

Length‐weight relationships of three species in northern China

Length‐weight relationships were estimated for three species (Triplophysa microphysa, Triplophysa zamegacephala and Gobio coriparoides) belonging to two families and two genera from northern China. Specimens were collected using trap nets (mesh size 1 cm) in May, June and December 2017, and March 2018. Total length (TL) for each individual was determined to the nearest 0.1 cm by digital slide caliper and each body weight (BW) to an accuracy of 0.1 g using digital balance. The b‐values for LWRs varied from 2.583 to 2.876 (r² > 0.979). This biometric data and their relationships are relevant to the management and conservation for local fishes and fisheries.     

Length‐weight relationships of five Triplophysa species from the northwest of China

Length‐weight relationships were estimated for five Triplophysa species from the northwest China. A total of 1,598 specimens were collected using set gillnets (mesh size 1.5 cm) and ground bamboo cages in May 2012, and August 2014. This study presents the first references on LWRs for Triplophysa minuta, T. siluroides, and T. tenuis, and two new maximum length records for T. yarkandensis and T. strauchii. Statistical length–weight relationships for all five species were highly significant (p < .001), with R² values >.915.     

Length‐weight relationships of three freshwater fish species from the Nandu River and Changhua River in Hainan Island,China

Length‐weight relationships (LRWs) were determined for three fish species from the Hainan Island, China. Fish specimens were sampled across the Nandu River and Changhua River from May 2017 to June 2018 with benthic fyke‐nets (stretched mesh size: 0.4 cm), multi‐mesh gillnets (stretched mesh size ranging from 1.0 to 12.5 cm) and electrofishing. Relationships between length and weight were fitted very well for all species (all R²>0.95). The b values of the LRW equations ranging from 2.938 for Liniparhomaloptera qiongzhongensis to 3.259 for Toxabramis houdemeri.     

Length–weight relationships of some fish from the Ganga River,India

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) were determined for seven riverine fish species from the river Ganga, India. Specimens were collected on a bi‐monthly basis from April 2017 to December 2018 using gill nets (mesh size 22–34 mm), cast nets (mesh size 16 mm) and bag nets (mesh size 14–22 mm). Total length was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm using a digital caliper and weight was recorded to the nearest 0.01 g on an electronic balance. From estimated length–weight relationships, the values for parameter “a” ranged from 0.004 (Bregmaceros mcclellandi and Setipinna tenuifilis) to 0.014 (Brachirus pan). Likewise, the values for the parameter “b” of the equation ranged from 2.958 (Bagarius bagarius) to 3.124 (Bregmaceros mcclellandi) and r² from 0.978 (Gonialosa manmina) to 0.996 (Brachirus pan).     

Length–weight relationships of eight deep‐sea fish species collected from the southwest coast of India

Length‐weight relationships (LWR) for eight deep‐sea fishes belonging to six families collected from the south west coast of India are presented. Specimens were caught by deep‐sea shrimp trawls with mesh size 24 mm during 2011 and 2013. The b values ranged from 2.13 to 3.71 and the coefficient of determination (r²) ranged from 0.84 to 0.98. A new standard length maximum was recorded for Neoscopelus microchir. The b values estimated during the present study were compared with the values estimated using models based on Bayesian approach deposited in Fish Base.     

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships of thirteen fish species from the lower Jinsha River,southwest China

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships were investigated for 13 freshwater fish species from the lower Jinsha River, southwest China (from 101°32′49.63″E; 26°35′38.27″N to 104°37′48.14″E; 28°45′59.55″N). Fish were sampled from five sites during 2014 and 2016, using trap‐nets, gillnets (major mesh size: 2–6 cm), longline and electrofishing. Length‐weight relationships for six and length‐length relationships for 12 species are the first report to FishBase, respectively. Moreover, new maximum length for 11 species are also presented to FishBase in this study. All regressions were highly significant (p < .001), with the coefficient of determination r² > .950. These information will be helpful for management and conservation in local fishes and fisheries.     

Nonvascular contribution to ecosystem NPP in a subarctic heath during early and late growing season

Bryophytes and lichens abound in many arctic ecosystems and can contribute substantially to the ecosystem net primary production (NPP). Because of their growth seasonality and their potential for growth out of the growing season peak, bryophyte and lichen contribution to NPP may be particularly significant when vascular plants are less active and ecosystems act as a source of carbon (C). To clarify these dynamics, nonvascular and vascular aboveground NPP was compared for a subarctic heath during two contrasting periods of the growing season, viz. early-mid summer and late summer-early autumn. Nonvascular NPP was determined by assessing shoot biomass increment of three moss species (Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi and Dicranum elongatum) and by scaling to ecosystem level using average standing crop. For D. elongatum, these estimates were compared with production estimates obtained from measurements of shoot length increase. Vascular NPP was determined by harvesting shrub and herb apical growth and considering production due to stem secondary growth of shrubs. Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi showed highest biomass growth in late summer, whereas for D. elongatum this occurred in early summer. Maximum relative growth rates were ca. 0.003–0.007 g g⁻¹ d⁻¹. For D. elongatum, production estimates from length growth differed from estimations from biomass growth, likely because of an uncoupling between length growth and biomass shoot growth. Nonvascular NPP was 0.37 and 0.46 g dry weight m⁻² d⁻¹, in early and late summer, respectively, whereas in the same periods vascular NPP was 3.6 and 1.1 g dry weight m⁻² d⁻¹. The contribution of nonvascular NPP to total aboveground NPP was therefore minor in early summer but substantial in late summer, when 25% of the C accumulated by the vegetation was incorporated into nonvascular plant tissue. The expected global change-induced reduction of nonvascular plant biomass in subarctic heath is likely therefore to enhance C release during the late part of the growing season.     

Length‐weight relationship models of two tropical shads,Tenualosa macrura (Bleeker, 1852) and Tenualosa toli (Valenciennes, 1847) in the coastal waters of Sarawak,Malaysia

This study investigates length‐weight and length‐length relationships of two species of the tropical shads, Tenualosa macrura (Bleeker, 1852) and Tenualosa toli (Valenciennes, 1847) collected from the coastal waters of Sadong (1°30′59.4”N and 110°44′46.4”E) and Sebuyau (1°31′26.8”N and 110°58′05.8”E), Sarawak, Malaysia. The fish were captured using gill nets (mesh size range 5–12 cm) operated by mechanized boat along the coast of Sadong and Sebuyau, Sarawak. Relative growth coefficient (b) was 2.942 and 3.408 for males and females of T. macrura while 2.909 and 3.178 for males and females of T. toli. All LWRs were significant (p < .05) between sexes for both species with the coefficient of determination (R²) ranging from .85 to .99. This report provides the reference of length weight relationship (LWR) models for the two species in their range of distribution.     

Length–weight relationships of 11 deep‐sea fishes from the western Bay of Bengal and Andaman waters,India

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) are presented for 11 deep‐sea fishes caught in the western Bay of Bengal and Andaman waters during August 2010 using a 38 m high speed demersal trawl II (HSDT II, crustacean version, codend mesh size 40 mm) and a 45.6 m Expo model demersal trawl (codend mesh size 30 mm). The b values ranged from 2.34 to 3.3 and the coefficient of variation (r²) ranged from .82 to .98. LWR estimates of eight deep‐sea fishes are provided for the first time. The estimated LWR values were compared with the Bayesian LWR estimates available in FishBase, based on models developed to improve the accuracy and predictability of species‐specific growth parameters of data‐poor species.     

Length–weight relationships of five fish species from Carangidae family in waters of the northern Persian Gulf,Iran

This research describes and presents some biological aspects of five fish species from carangidae family including: Alepes djedaba, Ulua mentalis, Alectis indica, Carangoides coeruleopinnatus, and Carangoides bajad in the Iranian waters of the northern Persian Gulf (Hormozgan Province, Iran). Samples were collected from April to September 2016. The fishing gears were gill nets (80, 100, 120 and 145 mm stretched mesh size), bottom and midwater trawls (30, 40 and 75 mm stretched mesh size in cod‐end) of local and commercial fishery. The b values of length–weight relationships ranged from 2.512 (95% CL = 0.054) for U. mentalis to 2.953 (95% CL = 0.155) for C. coeruleopinnatus and the correlation coefficient values (r²) were high for all species.