Biphasic growth in fish I:Theoretical foundations

  • Quince, Christopher
  • Abrams, Peter A.
  • Shuter, Brian J.
  • Lester, Nigel P.
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Publication date
September 2008
Publisher
Elsevier BV

Abstract

We develop the theory of biphasic somatic growth in fish using models based on the distinction between pre- and post-maturation growth and an explicit description of energy allocation within a growing season. We define a 'generic biphasic' (GB) model that assumes post-maturation growth has a von Bertalanffy (vB) form. For this model we derive an explicit expression for the gonad weight/somatic weight ratio (g) which may either remain fixed or vary with size. Optimal biphasic models are then developed with reproductive strategies that maximise lifetime reproductive output. We consider two optimal growth models. In the first (fixed g optimal), gonad weight is constrained to be proportional to somatic weight. In the second (variable g optimal)...

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