Larval fish life
In his recent paper, Jeff Leis provides more information about the life of larval fishes.
The following points list a number of the interesting findings given in the paper.
- Larval fishes swim in the oceans at speeds similar to the currents found in many locations and at 3 to 15 body lengths per second.
- Species from cold environments swim more slowly than those from warm environments.
- Larval fishes are efficient swimmers.
- Most species have oriented swimming in the ocean.
- The vertical distribution of larval fish species changes with growth.
- Sensory abilities (hearing, olfaction and vision) form early.
- Behaviour must be taken into account when considering dispersal.
- More research in the field is required, especially for colder water species.