Effects of copepod size on fish growth: A model based on data for North Sea sandeel

摘要: In productive marine off-shore ecosystems, the flow of energy from zooplankton to large predators is channeled through a few species short-lived, highly abundant schooling planktivorous fish. There are indications that these respond qualitative and phenologi- cal changes in zooplankton. If so, climate-induced alterations local copepod commu- nities we see temperate arctic regions may influence flux food chains. order investigate how different processes contribute relationship between size fish growth, merged 2 mechanistic models relevant data: (1) model bioenergetics stomach filling/evacuation dynamics, (2) Holling type II functional response encompasses visual range basic principles. The predicts going situation where Calanus copepods (2 mm) dominate prey field lesser sandeel Ammodytes marinus central North Sea only relatively small (1 less energy-rich available roughly halves intake sandeels even if biomass concentration remains constant. Visual constraint on foraging was most important factor, followed by handling time limitation content. These limitations became stronger with increasing length, showing content have strong effect specific growth potential