Energy utilization by embryos during gestation in viviparous copper rockfish,Sebastes caurinus

Abstract

The energy utilized by developing copper rockfishSebastes caurinus embryos was measured through direct respirometry (0.408 cal embryo−1) and compared with the change in energy content of embryos from fertilization to birth (0.361 cal embryo−1). The difference between the energy consumed and energy lost during gestation indicates that 0.047 cal embryo−1 or 11.5% of the energy utilized during gestation is contributed by the mother after fertilization. Available information on other membres of the genusSebastes suggests that matrotrophic viviparity may be the common mode of reproduction, but energy contribution varies greatly between species.