Growth, otolith growth and RNA/DNA ratios of larval plaice Pleuronectes platessa in the North Sea 1987 to 1989

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Somatic growth, otolith growth and RNNDNA ratios of larval plaice were studied in the southern North Sea during the years 1987 to 1989. Somatic growth rates were strongly correlated with seawater temperature. Both otolith growth and RNAIDNA ratios were correlated with somatic growth. Age at metamorphosis declined with increasing temperature, but there was no relationshp between size at metamorphosis and temperature. Development seemed to be more related to temperature than to size. Large between-year differences were observed in the relationship between body size and otolith diameter. Otolith growth indces were used to compare back-calculated otolith growth between years or periods. In general growth was positively related to temperature, but early otolith growth was fastest at intermediate temperatures. It is proposed that the high temperature in 1989 had a negative effect on growth