Growth models and their use in ecological modelling: an application to a fish population

Several models which describe population growth and mortality are evaluated and discussed using data from a single cohort population of Sparus aurata. This fish is commonly used in aquaculture in Mediterranean countries. The decision about which growth model to use is important, as most ecological models deal with transfer of energy or matter along the trophic chain. Growth can be constant or change during development periods. Although initial and final weights estimated with different models may be similar, growth curves as well as the total amount of energy or matter consumed over time may vary considerably during the growth period. It is suggested that the Gompertz or the parabolic growth models seem to be more appropriate for the description of young fish growth. For older fish the von Bertalanffy equation or some modified form adjusted to seasonal change is preferable.

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