[Development and allometric growth patterns of larval Acipenser schrenckii]

The growth and development of larval Amur sturgeon Acipenser schrenckii could be divided into two stages, i.e., pre-larval or free embryonic stage [from hatching (0 day of age and 10.17 +/- 0.63 mm of body length) to initial feeding (9 days of age and 18.93 +/- 0.74 mm of body length)], and post-larval stage [from initial feeding to juvenile stage (38 days of age and 41.89 +/- 5.09 mm of body length)]. During pre-larval stage, some organs related to feeling, feeding, breathing and swimming developed and differentiated rapidly; and during post-larval stage, dorsal, lateral and ventral scuta appeared, and the fish morphologically developed into juvenile. The growth characteristics of larval A. schrenckii presented allometric patterns, i.e., the growth inflexion points of eye diameter, mouth width, tail fin length, and pectoral fin length appeared in the ages of 2 days, 8-9 days, 10 days, and 11 days, respectively. Before the growth inflexion points, the organs grew fast; while after the growth inflexion points, the growth slowed down and approximately appeared isometric. The organs of larval A. schrenckii had the characteristics of congruous and rapid development. With the development of the organs related to feeling, feeding, breathing and swimming, larval A. schrenckii obtained the ability of escaping from predators and feeding, and consequently, its survival chance increased.