Standard metabolism and growth dynamics of laboratory-reared larvae of Sardina pilchardus

This study provides the first measurements of the standard respiration rate (R(S)) and growth dynamics of European sardine Sardina pilchardus larvae reared in the laboratory. At 15° C, the relationship between RS (µl O(2) individual(-1)  h(-1)) and larval dry mass (M(D), µg) was equal to: R(S) = 0·0057(±0·0007, ± s.e.)·M(D) (0·8835(±0·0268)), (8-11% M(D) day(-1)). Interindividual differences in RS were not related to interindividual differences in growth rate or somatic (Fulton's condition factor) or biochemical-based condition (RNA:DNA).