Abstract:
Objective The aim of the present study is to investigate the growth of alien Sander lucioperca in Shuifeng Reservoir.
Methods From June 2021 to September 2023, 198 samples were collected from various sites within the Shuifeng Reservoir of the Yalu River. These samples were used to study the growth characteristics and age structure of S. lucioperca in the reservoir, using vertebrae sections as the primary material for age identification.
Results The results showed that the body length of S. lucioperca ranged from 26 to 520 mm, with individuals from 101 to 200 mm constituted 48.5% of the total specimens, the body mass ranged from 0.3 to 1935.0 g. Individuals below 151 g represented 70.2% of the total specimens. The specimens were comprised of 5 age groups ranging from 1 to 5, while the dominated age was 1, accounting for 50.0% of the total specimens. The relation between body length and body weight was Wt=6×10−6Lt3.150(R²=0.992 4, n=198, P>0.05), which was consistent with uniform growth characteristics. The relationship between body length (mm) and vertebrae spine radius (mm) calculated by linear equation was L=91.14r+24.693 (R2=0.967 5, n=198). Based on the growth index, the relative growth rate of body length and the growth index were higher before the fish reached 5 years of age, with an average growth rate of 0.366, a growth constant of 1.679, and a growth index of 88.573. Between the 4th and 5th years, the growth ratio dropped to 0.076, the growth constant decreased to 0.683, the growth index fell to 36.584, and the growth rate significantly declined. The Von Bertalanffy growth equations were expressed as Lt=815.6811−e−0.200(t−0.033) , and Wt=8409.9821−e−0.200(t−0.033)3.150. The equation of growth rate and acceleration of body length were described as dL/dt=163.136e−0.200(t−0.033), d2L/dt2=−32.627e−0.200(t−0.033), the equation of growth rate and acceleration of body mass were described as dW/dt=5298.289 e−0.200(t−0.033)1−e−0.200(t−0.033)2.150, d2W/dt2=1059.658e−0.200(t−0.033)1−e−0.200(t−0.033)1.150 3.150e−0.200(t−0.033)−1. Neither the body length growth rate nor the acceleration curves showed any inflection points; the growth rate was inversely proportional to age, while acceleration was directly proportional to age. In contrast, the body mass growth rate and acceleration curves exhibited inflection points, with the growth rate initially increasing and then decreasing. The inflection point of the growth curve occurred at 5.77 years, with a body length of 557 mm and a weight of 2525.20 g.
Conclusion The findings suggest that S. lucioperca has established natural populations in Shuifeng Reservoir. At present, the age structure of S. lucioperca is relatively simple, belonging to the increase type. Significance The results of this study may provide a reference for the utilization and management of the alien species S. lucioperca in Shuifeng Reservoir of the Yalu River.