Environmental Regulation of Growth Rate, Efficiency, and Swimming Performance in Larval Capelin (Mallotus villosus), and its Application to the Match/Mismatch Hypothesis

Abstract

We examined the influence of in situ environmental conditions on the growth rate, growth efficiency, and swimming ability of larval capelin (Mallotus villosus). Larval growth rate and efficiency prior to first feeding were strongly influenced by temperatures in the beach-rearing environment prior to dispersal. The interacting effects of water temperature and hours of sunlight (solar heating) on this intertidal habitat were the major regulators of growth (R2 ≥ 0.96). A model based on these parameters accurately predicted growth rates of larvae in the gravel sampled in two previous years. Larval condition at the time of dispersal into the pelagic environment was a negative function of the length of time spent in the beach gravel and of temperature conditions during that period. Swimming performance at dispersal was directly related to larval condition. Our data indicate that environmental conditions during the early (preexogenous feeding) period can influence growth efficiency, size attained at first feeding and the prey capture ability of larvae independent of the yolk reserves available at hatching, and the quantity and quality of the food available at the obligatory onset of exogenous feeding.Key words: capelin, Mallotus villosus; growth rate, growth efficiency, swimming performance, larvae, intertidal zone, temperature