Allometric Growth Pattern During Early Developmental Stages of Featherback, Chitala chitala (Hamilton 1822) (Osteoglossiformes: (otopteridae)

In the present study the relationships between morphometric variables of Chitala chitala (Hamilton 1822) (Osteoglossiformes: Notopteridae) larvae reared at a constant temperature (30±2°C) from hatching to 30 days after hatching (DAH) were characterised through analysis of their allometric growth. The yolk sac and preflexion stage (TL = 13.24 to 16.90 mm) was distinguished by a precedence of sensorial, feeding, respiratory and swimming systems, and the accelerated growth of head (b = 1.36, r^2 = 0.94) and tail length (b=1.12, r^2 = 0.97). The flexion stage (TL = 17.89 to 25.35 mm) was characterised by a change in growth priorities. The body depth (b= 1.28, r^2 =0.86), snout length (b= 1.51, r^2 =0.95) and pectoral fin length ((b= 1.83, r^2 =0.87) showed positive allometry in this phase. At the end of the postflexion stage (TL = 25.97 to 30.45 mm) there is a tendency to isometry for all the growth coefficients including the head length (b= 1.07, r^2 =0.90) and the tail length (b= 1.0, r^2 =0.98), corresponding to transition towards metamorphosing stage for the acquisition of the juvenile form.