Growth of the Icefish Neosalanx pseudotaihuensis (Salangidae) in Xujiahe Reservoir,Central China

The icefish Neosalanx pseudotaihuensis(Salangidae) is a small (to 70mm TL), transparent fish that occurs naturally in central and eastern China. It is commercially important in many lakes and reservoirs, and recently has been introduced into other waters. However, very little is known about its biology including growth. In this paper we studied the population structure and the growth of the icefish in Xujiahe Reservoir (central China) from May 1995 to December 1997. The icefish completed its life cycle within about one year and the population consisted of one cohort. The main growth period was May to December and little growth occurred at other times. Remarkable seasonal and interannual variations in the growth rates were found and these are discussed in relation to food availability, water temperature and fishing activity.