Energetics of early development in the viviparous yellowtail rockfish

Abstract

Total mean gestation period of all female yellowtail rockfish Sebastes flavidus , from fertilization to parturition, was 29.2 days. Hatching occurred 23 days after fertilization, followed by 6 days of larval incubation. Eggs varied in dry mass and energy content with lipid concentrations contributing the greatest amount of energy per egg. The endogenous energy of the yolk and oil globule declined throughout gestation resulting in limited yolk and oil reserves at parturition.