Dynamic morphology of fish larvae, structural implications of friction forces in swimming, feeding and ventilation

• Published in: Journal of fish biology Vol. 55; no. A; pp. 156 - 174
• Main Authors: OSSE, J. W. M, VAN DEN BOOGAART, J. G. M
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell 01.12.1999
• Subjects: Agnatha. Pisces; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Autoecology; Biological and medical sciences; Brackish; Experimental Zoology; Experimentele Zoologie; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Leerstoelgroep Experimentele zoölogie; Marine; Pisces; Vertebrata; WIAS; Freshwater environment; Morphological variation; Viscosity; Friction; Larva; Gill ventilation; Development; Environmental factor; Swimming; Allometry; Feeding
• ISSN: 0022-1112; 1095-8649
• DOI: 10.1006/jfbi.1999.1071

Dynamic morphology is the study of the ontogenetic transformations of functional systems in growing organisms. This paper describes these processes in fish larvae as they grow into the juvenile stage. Details of form changes and growth at the level of the organism and its organs are given. Some mechanical functions, such as swimming, eating and ventilation/respiration, which are important for surviving the most vulnerable period of life, the larval period, are analysed and their demands on structures and constructions are correlated with changing forms, size dimensions and environmental factors. The size- and velocity-dependent influences of viscosity, as an important physical environmental factor, are the points of emphasis. The changing form of the swimming motion, form and task of the finfold at different places along the body, modes and requirements of aquatic feeding and respiration are reflected in the changing sizes and proportions of the developing larval body.