Static allometry in Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Abstract

Analysis of three samples (river, canal, lake) of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.), for allometry at their particular stages (young and older juveniles, subadult and adult), revealed a remarkable phenotypic (i.e. morphological) plasticity under the different conditions of growth. This was less apparent in young juveniles, when allometric growth stabilised. The presence of allometry caused the diminishing of the initial differences registered in young juveniles in early summer, for most of the traits at the end of their first year of life. Nevertheless, certain characters had strong allometric growth in this period. In the older stages, allometric growth in perch from the lake biotope constrasted the new absence of allometry in perch from the River Danube. These differences probably arise from the stronger allometric growth in subadult and adult perch in the lake biotope.