Relationships between Assimiliation Efficiencies and Growth Efficiencies for Aquatic Consumers

Abstract

Relationships between the growth efficiencies and assimilation efficiency of an animal are presented, using energy budgets compiled from the literature. Net growth efficiency is negatively correlated with assimilation efficiency and may range from 20% to 90%. Gross growth efficiencies normally fluctuate between 15% and 35% and demonstrate a nonlinear correlation with assimilation efficiency. Carnivores tend to have high assimilation efficiencies and low net growth efficiencies; herbivore/detritivores have lower assimilation efficiencies and higher net growth efficiencies. Implications of the relationships are discussed.