Developmental allometry in three species of darters (Percidae: Etheostoma)

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Abstract
Ontogenetic changes in body form of three Etheostoma species were compared among species within life history periods and among periods within species. Slopes of allometric equations were similar across species, but differed among periods. The overall similarity of early ontogenetic changes, including shifts at period thresholds, suggested common, perhaps ancestral, developmental restrictions. Differences in elevations of allometric equations among species within periods may be more relevant ecologically. Interspecific differences among adults were not evident among juveniles; the three species were very similar as juveniles. Divergence of adult allometric coefficients, anisometry in adults, and the presence of sexual dimorphism all indicated that considerable differentiation may take place after fish reach 20 mm total length.