Growth and survival of bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli larvae in mesocosm enclosures

Abstract

Larvae growth was rapid (0.39-0.63 mm d-1), even at the lowest prey levels and highest initial egg stocking densities. Growth rates tended to decrease as egg density increased. Instantaneous mortality rates were high (0.08-0.23 d-1) but lower than those reported for bay anchovy larvae from estuaries with gelatinous zooplankton and fish predators present. Highest mortality unexpectedly occurred in mesocosms with the highest prey level and lowest mortality occurred in enclosures with the highest initial egg stocking densities. Relative production decreased as prey level increased. Highest production occurred in enclosures with the lowest initial egg densities. -from Authors