Comparative growth and development of autumn and spring spawned Atlantic herring larvae reared in large enclosed ecosystems.

Abstract

While development rate was undoubtedly correlated with growth rate in Clupea harengus, initial size of larvae (0.067 mg in autumn 1978, 0.138 mg in 1980) had a significant effect on early development. The small egg size of the Minch autumn spawned herring may serve to delay the developmental rate of the larva at a time when temperature and food conditions could stimulate rapid growth. This mechanism helps to ensure that larvae which hatch in September do not metamorphose before onset of winter. The large egg and hatching larva of the Clyde spring spawner favours rapid progression through the development stages to early metamorphosis.-from Fisheries Review