Natural mortality, growth parameters, and environmental temperature in fishes revisited

David Griffiths, Chris Harrod

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    40 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Pauly (1980. J. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer, 39: 175-192) showed that natural mortality rates in fish could be predicted from body growth parameters and environmental temperature but found no evidence for ecological or taxonomic influences. Using an updated database and techniques that avoid some of the earlier analytical problems, we confirm Pauly's conclusion that mortality is correlated with growth and temperature. A path model supports the role of ecological effects on mortality. A phylogenetic effect is also apparent: perciform fishes occupy warmer environments than other species, but in the predator-rich reef habitat they suffer much lower mortality rates. Species that are cryptic or hide in burrows or have morphological defences against predators show the lowest mortality rates.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)249-255
    JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
    Volume64
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - Feb 2007

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Natural mortality, growth parameters, and environmental temperature in fishes revisited'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this