Growth in the first summer of life: a comparisson of nine co-occurring fish species

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Abstract
Growth in the first summer of life was compared in nine coexisting fish species with different life history strategies. Relative to hatching size, the various species grew 6- to 10-fold in length and up to 1000-fold in weight. Growth patterns were similar among species; length increments were linear early in the summer and reached a plateau by early September. Few species grew significantly in length or weight beyond September. There were also few appreciable differences in length–weight regressions among species, and in all cases growth was isometric. Spawning date had the greatest influence on the amount of growth attained, with early spawners achieving a greater mean length and weight than late spawners. Adult size did not influence the amount of growth; large-bodied species achieved proportionately less of their adult weight and length in the first summer than did small species. However, adult size did influence the duration of the spawning period. Small-bodied species had the most protracted spawning seasons and the greatest size range of young at the end of the summer. There was no apparent relationship between diet type and growth in young fish.