The cost of metamorphosis in flatfishes
In: Journal of Sea Research. Elsevier/Netherlands Institute for Sea Research: Amsterdam; Den Burg. ISSN 1385-1101; e-ISSN 1873-1414, more Also appears in:Yamashita, Y.; Nash, R.D.M.; van der Veer, H.W. (Ed.) (2007). Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Flatfish Ecology, Part II, held at Maizuru, Kyoto, Japan from 20-25 October 2005. Journal of Sea Research, 58(1). Elsevier: Amsterdam. 1-112 pp., more |  |
| Keywords | Biological phenomena > Metamorphosis
Feeding
Population functions > Growth
Settlement
Settlement
Survival
Pleuronectidae Rafinesque, 1815 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal | | Author keywords | metamorphosis; settlement; feeding; growth; survival; flatfish |
| Authors | | Top | - Geffen, A.J.
- van der Veer, H.W.
- Nash, R.D.M.
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| Abstract | Flatfish development includes a unique physical metamorphosis with morphological and physiological changes associated with eye migration, a 90° rotation in posture and asymmetrical pigmentation. Flatfish larvae also undergo settlement, a behavioural and ecological change associated with a transition from a pelagic to a benthic existence. These processes are often assumed to be critical in determining recruitment in flatfish, through their impact on feeding, growth and survival. The timing of metamorphosis in relation to settlement varies between different flatfish species and this suggests that growth and development are not closely coupled. Existing information on feeding, growth and survival during metamorphosis and settlement is reviewed. Growth during metamorphosis is reduced in some but not all species. Despite the profound internal and external changes, there are no indications that the process of metamorphosis results in an increased mortality or that it might affect recruitment in flatfishes. |
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