A study on the age and growth of Lake Anchovy (Coilia ectenes taihuensis Yuen et Tin) in Taihu Lake

Scales of the Lake Anchovy in Taihu Lake are used as a basis for its age determination. Annual variation of scale edge growth rate (α) indicates that the annulus forms once a year, mainly in April–June. The relationship formula for body length and scale diameter is L=18.658+118.06R, that for body length and weight isW♀=7.588×10⁻⁶ L ^2.8301;W♂=5.584×10⁻⁶ L ^2.8781. The fish before age II have a higher relative growth rate in body length and weight and a higher growth index. Growth is consistent with the growth equation by Von Bertalanffy. The turning point of the body weight growth curve is located between age II and III; the exact position is atW=0.292W _∞. Variation specificity of the growth course can be reflected by the growth rate and its acceleration curves. Time for capture of the fish should preferably be after age II, when they have reached a body length of 170 mm. That is one of the key measures to increase Lake Anchovy production in Taihu Lake.