Lifetime consequences of variable 0 year group length in riverine populations of chub Leuciscus cephalus (L.) |
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| Authors: | J. D. Bolland,&dagger ,J. R. Britton,&Dagger § I. G. Cowx |
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| Affiliation: | University of Hull International Fisheries Institute, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, U.K.; , National Fisheries Laboratory, Environment Agency, Bromholme Lane, Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 4NE, U.K.; and Centre for Conservation Ecology &Environmental Change, School of Conservation Sciences, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, U.K. |
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| Abstract: | The fork length ( L F) of individual chub Leuciscus cephalus in English riverine populations at the end of their first growth season varied considerably, ranging from <25 to >70 mm. This had a significant influence on the subsequent growth of individuals over their lifetime. Chub of small L F at age 1 year generally produced smaller annual growth increments throughout life than those of longer L F at age 1 year, although they had the potential to attain greater ultimate L F. This variability in L F at age 1 year resulted, at least in part, from multiple spawning events over a protracted period, that caused variation in the growing seasons for 0 year group chub of the same year class. Since the adult population contained individuals that only attained L F of <25 mm at the end of their first growing season, it is possible that L F at age 1 year may not be such a major precursor to strong chub recruitment as previously thought. |
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| Keywords: | growth modes multiple spawning recruitment |
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