Energy allocation and metabolic scope in early turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, larvae

Early stages of marine fish larvae are characterized by fast growth while having a limited aerobic scope and an immature digestive system. In order to understand this apparent paradox, the study of energy allocation is a major necessity. Components of the energy budget of turbot (Scophthalmus maximu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine biology 2007-05, Vol.151 (4), p.1397-1405
Main Authors: CUNHA, I, CONCEICAO, L. E. C, PLANAS, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agnatha. Pisces
Anatomy & physiology
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Digestive system
Energy
Fish
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Larvae
Marine
Marine biology
Marine fish
Metabolism
Physical growth
Scophthalmus maximus
Sea water ecosystems
Synecology
Vertebrates: general zoology, morphology, phylogeny, systematics, cytogenetics, geographical distribution
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Summary:Early stages of marine fish larvae are characterized by fast growth while having a limited aerobic scope and an immature digestive system. In order to understand this apparent paradox, the study of energy allocation is a major necessity. Components of the energy budget of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) larvae were determined during initial development (days 4-12) and the complete energy allocation budget is presented. It was observed that food absorption efficiency increased from 32 to 51% during the studied period, and so did the energy available for growth and metabolic purposes. The relative amount of energy for maintenance decreased from 71 to 36% of energy channelled to metabolism. Gross growth efficiency increased from 20 to 26% of ingested energy, and net growth efficiency decreased from 66 to 52% of assimilated energy. Reduction of net growth efficiency is the reflex of a higher metabolic rate in older larvae, due to increased costs of activity and growth. Evidence, indicating that metabolic scope of early turbot larva is unable to accommodate simultaneously high levels of growth and activity was found. Alternative strategies to accommodate the costs of growth and activity exist in turbot larvae, and may result in a trade-off between fast growth and viability. As larvae grow, the various physiological processes described get more efficient, and the metabolic scope increases. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0025-3162
1432-1793
DOI:10.1007/s00227-006-0576-x