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We evaluated the ability of three condition indices-condition factor (K), relative condition (Kn ), and relative weight (Wr )–to estimate annual growth rates of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and white crappies Pomoxis annularis collected during standardized autumn electrofishing and trap-net surveys of Texas reservoirs. Multiple-regression models for estimation of length increments from initial length (at the start of the growing season) and condition indices had R 2 values of 0.63–0.76 for largemouth bass and 0.46–0.83 for white crappie. However, these models are not useful for indirect estimation ofgrowth rates because growth must be known (initial length equals length at capture minus estimated annual growth). Models based on length at capture and condition indices had R 2 values of 0.22–0.68 for largemouth bass and less than 0.45 for white crappie. The low precision of models based on length at capture indicates that condition provides a weak basis for indirect estimation of growth ra...

Standard-weight (Ws ) curves for 22 fish species in Texas were derived from statewide length and weight data by means of log-transformed regressions of 75th-percentile weights for 10-mm total length classes. When curves for 12 of the species were compared with standard-weight curves published or used elsewhere, they were significantly different in each case. These results indicate that regional standard-weight curves may be appropriate for managing some species.