Size of eggs and duration of embryogenesis in fishes

Abstract

Studies were undertaken on the relationship between egg size and duration of embryogenesis in four freshwater fish species (Salmo trutta, Esox lucius, Gasterosteus aculeatus, Leucaspius delineatus). In addition to understandable differences of egg size between particular species, considerable differences were observed as regards egg size in fish of the same species, and even originating from the same female. A strict relationship was found between duration of embryonic development and egg size : the smaller the egg, the shorter its embryogenesis. Biological meaning of this phenomenon has been discussed.