Publication details
Patterns of ontogenetic changes in relative growth in the precocial cyprinid, bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus)
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 1999 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Netherlands Journal of Zoology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Zoology |
| Keywords | allometric growth; fish; larval and juvenile periods; morphometric characters; precocial form; life-history; body shape |
| Description | In order to describe patterns of relative growth during the early life-history of the bitterling we examined 21 mensural characters. These were divided into groups according to their pattern of relative growth. Nine characters exhibited isometric Stabilisation of characters may occur when bitterling reach sexual maturity, growth. Eleven characters exhibited positive allometric growth and four negative allometric growth. however some may continue to grow allometrically during adult period. Following our results and examination of data from the literature we conclude that bitterling, although a species with a precocial form of development, still retains a larval period. However, its duration is shorter then is usual when compared to other cyprinids. Allometric growth is a typical feature of the entire life-history of bitterling and cannot be used as a describer of transition from larva to juvenile periods. |