W. Nicholas Beer and James J. Anderson
Columbia Basin Research, School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Citation: Beer, W.N. and J.J. Anderson. 1997. Modelling the Growth of Salmonid Embryos. Journal of Theoretical Biology 189(3): 297-306.
A mechanistic model for the growth of salmonid embryos (prior to feeding) is developed with coupled differential equations describing anabolism and catabolism. The equations model changes in embryo and yolk sac masses in which the flux of nutrients to the embryo is controlled by geometric properties of the embryo and yolk. The rate parameter describing this flux is a well defined function of temperature. Water absorption is also a factor in determining mass. The model, describing the size and time-to-arrival at developmental stages, is fit to chinook salmon growth data from fertilization to complete yolk absorption.