The growth performance in different seasons of Homatula variegata (Dabry de Thiersant, 1874) in Northern Guizhou,...

To provide knowledge on growth performance and data that are helpful for resource assessment of Homatula variegata (Dabry de Thiersant, 1874) living in northern Guizhou, China, the current study focused on the length-weight relationship (LWR), the growth pattern, the condition factor (CF), as well as the relationship between muscle metabolomics and growth in H. variegata. A total of 135 H. variegata were collected during 19 months using our patented hookless fishing tackles. The lengths (from the snout tip to the base of the caudal fin) and weights were measured, and the LWR and CF was calculated. Furthermore, the muscle tissues from fin tissues of 8 fish in winter were used for the analyses of metabolomics. The lengths and weights of 135 individuals varied by seasons, and there were opposite changes of the parameter a and the parameter b among different seasons. The parameters of LWR indicated that the growth pattern of H. variegata was the negative allometric growth. Furthermore, the CF of H. variegata was consistent with the seasonal variations of the lengths. Our results displayed that H. variegata exhibited better growth during spring and winter in northern Guizhou. Moreover, the positive correlation between triglycerides (TG) metabolites and CF found in the metabolomics analysis of muscle tissue in winter revealed the potential importance of lipid-rich food for the well-being and growth performance of H. variegata. Taken together, our findings provided basic information on the growth patterns and the relationship between metabolic characteristics and CF of H. variegata.