The effect of hatching time on the bioenergetics of northern pike (Esox lucius) larvae from a single egg batch during the endogenous feeding period

Abstract

Size, caloric value and chemical composition were measured separately in the progeny of two northern pike (Esox lucius) females at 3-day intervals during the endogenous feeding period from hatching to final yolk resorption. Tissue, yolk and entire larvae were analysed separately in three groups of larvae that hatched at different times (between 88 and 106 degree-days post-fertilization). An integrated approach with the Gompertz model was used to compute the yolk conversion efficiency and time to maximum tissue size in early, mid and late hatched larvae. At hatching, unresorbed yolk of early hatched larvae contained more energy (39.20 J) and more protein (0.99 mg) compared to the yolk of larvae that hatched later (38.13 J and 0.92 mg protein for late hatched larvae, p < 0.05). In contrast, a significant reduction in tissue weight (-0.7 mg DW) and protein content (-0.5 mg) was found in early hatched larvae compared to those which hatched later (p < 0.05). Between days 9 and 12 post-hatching (108 and 144 degree-days post-hatching), close to the final yolk resorption, late hatched larvae stopped growing and their tissue began to be resorbed. This tissue resorption time was delayed in early hatched larvae which presented at the end of the experiment a greater tissue weight than late hatched ones. Yolk conversion efficiency in term of energy from hatching to complete yolk resorption stage was significantly higher for early and mid hatched larvae (51%) compared to late hatched ones (44%) (p = 0.004). Furthermore, the time to maximum tissue size was found to be negatively related to hatching time which implies that early hatched larvae take longer time to switch from one developmental stage to the next. The maximum tissue dry weight and energy content were found to be reached at approximately the same age post-fertilization for both early hatched and late hatched larvae, suggesting that the principal steps in a fish's lifespan are better correlated with time of fertilization than hatching time.

Intracohort cannibalism and methods for its mitigation in cultured freshwater fish

“…Very small females and those used reproductively for the first time demonstrate a tendency for producing a significantly smaller brood (Król and Zieliński 2015). That is why mixing of progenies with contrasted hatching times (with exception of fish at the same ontogenetic stage and homogenous in size) or progenies from females of different sizes, should be avoided -female size, egg size and size at hatching may be correlated (Wootton 1989;Baras and Jobling 2002;Steenfeldt et al 2011;Trabelsi et al 2013;Król and Zieliński 2015;Trabelsi et al 2016). Therefore, it is recommended to select proper sized females at the stage of spawn collection.…”

Effects of temperature on the survival and development of the early life stages of northern pike (Esox lucius)

“…This difference could lead to a much higher energy value heterogeneity. Trabelsi et al (2016) showed within the same cohort a difference for biochemical and energy value (yolk sac and body) between early, middle and late hatching post-hatch stages. They found a better efficiency of yolk conversion in terms of energy for early and mid-hatched compared to the late hatched post-hatch stage.…”

“…This phase would allow a smaller and perhaps less developed hatched fish to catch up with other individuals with an average size just prior to the onset of exogenous feeding (Kamler, 2008). This compensatory growth has already been observed for northern pike (Trabelsi et al, 2012(Trabelsi et al, , 2016 as well as other species such as Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) (Jordaan et al, 2005) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) (Korwin-Kossakowski, 2008). It is the result of an accelerated development for a very short period after hatching.…”

Growth and recruitment dynamics of young‐of‐year northern pike: Implications for habitat conservation and management

“…Though few studies have quantified spatial variation in the quality of spawning and nursery habitat for freshwater fishes, the distribution of optimal nursery habitats is believed to be patchy (Roseman, Hayes, Taylor, Tyson, & Haas, 2005), and survival is highly dependent on spawning location (Höök, McCormick, Rutherford, Mason, & Carter, 2006) or passive transport to a suitable nursery area (Houde, 1969;Zhao, Jones, Shuter, & Roseman, 2009). Growth rates and survival of YOY fish have been linked to a plethora of environmental factors including water temperature (Hokanson & Koenst, 1986;Santucci & Wahl, 1993), hatch date (Trabelsi et al, 2016), prey availability (Roswell, Pothoven, & Hook, 2014), water level (Inskip, 1982), dissolved oxygen (Dombeck, Menzel, & Hinz, 1984), turbidity and availability of suitable aquatic vegetation (Casselman & Lewis, 1996). Therefore, selection of breeding and nursery areas can be conceptualised as a balancing of trade-offs to maximise growth and minimise mortality (e.g., Mumby et al, 2004;Rypel et al, 2012;Werner & Hall, 1988).…”