Behaviour, growth and survival of redfish larvae in relation to prey
availability
B.J. Laurel, J.A. Brown, R.
Anderson-2001
Journal of Fish Biology, 59(4):
884-901
Abstract:
Growth, survival and condition of redfish
larvae Sebastes spp., reared in the laboratory (0, 500,
1500 and 4500 prey l-1) were highest in the 1500
prey l-1treatment. Significantly lower larval growth
and survival in the 4500 prey l-1treatment
corresponded with lower prey bite:orient ratios in
later weeks, suggesting that larvae were unable
to forage efficiently at high prey densities. While these prey
densities are higher than those reported in the field,
naturally co-occurring Atlantic cod Gadus morhua
larvae require higher prey densities when reared under
similar conditions in the laboratory. These data suggest
that prey availability may not be as limiting to
redfish as for other commercially important marine
species
(Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of
Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1C 5S7, Tel.: +1 709 737
3253; fax: +1 709 737 3220; email:blaurel@mun.ca)