Development of feeding structures in larval fish with different life
histories: winter flounder and Atlantic cod
I. Hunt von Herbing-2001
Journal of
Fish Biology, 59(4):
767-782
Abstract:
The size at which feeding structures
developed and shifts in head proportions occurred, differed between
Atlantic cod Gadus morhua and winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes
americanus. The sequence and timing of the development
of feeding structures may not be dependent on size,
but may occur because they are necessary to meet specific
requirements of fish larvae feeding in the plankton.
In early larval stages development of feeding structures
was similar in number and type and was necessary for
first-feeding in both species. In later stages,
significant differences between species occurred in
the timing of the development of feeding structures.
In cod differentiation of new structures and changes
in head proportions occurred at about two-thirds of
the way through larval life, which coincided with an
increase in growth. In flounder changes in feeding
morphology did not occur during the symmetrical larval
stage, but occurred only after metamorphosis to the
asymmetrical demersal juvenile stage. Differences between cod
and flounder in the size at which feeding structures
develop may reflect life history adaptations expressed
in the duration of the pelagic larval stage, as well
as differences in juvenile habitat and feeding ecology.
(217 Libby Hall, , School of Marine Sciences,
University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, U.S.A., Tel.: +1 207 581 4362; fax:
+1 207 581 4388; email:ivonherb@umenfa.maine.edu)