The role of social interaction in growth rate variability of Red Drum larvae

Michael E. Smith and Lee A. Fuiman

Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin

Considerable variation in growth rates is often observed in laboratory cultures of fish larvae in which the range of sizes of individuals increases with age. Much of this variation may be attributed to social interactions in laboratory tanks with high densities of larvae. To examine the importance of these social interactions in growth variability, red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) larvae were reared both individually and in groups. Total lengths of individual larvae from both treatments were measured at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 dph. Coefficients of variation of specific growth rates will be compared between the two treatments. Preliminary results show that variation in growth rates of individually-reared larvae is almost as high as that found in larvae reared in tank cultures, suggesting that other inherent factors are important in establishing growth rates.

Created: Fri Feb 23 15:14:06 CST 2001