A Comparison of von Bertalanffy and Polynomial Functions in Modelling Fish Growth Data

1992 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 1228-1235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Chen ◽  
D. A. Jackson ◽  
H. H. Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Fish Growth ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Polynomial Functions ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Growth Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Growth Functions ◽  
Von Bertalanffy Growth Function

We compared the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) and five polynomial functions (PF) in modelling fish growth for 16 populations comprising six species of freshwater fishes. Ranked results of the variance explained by each growth function indicated that VBGF described growth data better than three- and four-parameter polynomial functions. Log-transforming length and age greatly improved the goodness-of-fit of the three-parameter polynomial function. Statistical comparison of growth between populations or sexes was done using a general linear model for polynomial functions. An analysis of residual sum of squares was proposed to compare the resultant VBGFs because the nonlinear formulation of the VBGF prevented traditional analysis of covariance procedures. Fitting of different growth functions to the same growth data set yielded the same result in the intra-species growth comparisons for three species (eight populations) but different results for two species (seven populations). Where ages of the fish were less than the maximum age in the samples, dL/dt were similar for all growth functions except the parabola based on the log-transformation of length alone. The VBGF proved to be the best growth model for all 16 populations.

Comparing Polynomial and von Bertalanffy Growth Functions for Fitting Tag–Recapture Data

1994 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 1689-1691 ◽  
Author(s):  
William S. Hearn ◽  
George M. Leigh
Keyword(s):  
Growth Function ◽  
Growth Increment ◽  
Bias Reduction ◽  
Release Time ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Growth Functions ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Von Bertalanffy Growth Function ◽  
Multiple Measurements ◽  
The One

The properties of polynomial and von Bertalanffy growth functions are compared for analysing data from tag–recapture experiments in which fish are recaptured once. For the quadratic and von Bertalanffy growth functions, explicit formulae are obtained for the expected growth increment in terms of length-at-release, time-at-liberty, and the function parameters. If the least-squares fitting technique is used the von Bertalanffy function fits tag–recapture data with no more bias (probably less) than any other growth function, including polynomial growth functions. A bias-reduction technique for fitting the von Bertalanffy growth function to tag–recapture data is not applicable to other growth functions. We conclude that, apart from the straight line, the von Bertalanffy growth function is the one with the most desirable mathematical and statistical properties for fitting to tag–recapture data. The matter of the function that best characterises the way a specific fish species grows can be adequately addressed only by analyses of multiple measurements of individual fish.

The von Bertalanffy growth function, bioenergetics, and the consumption rates of fish

2001 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
pp. 2129-2138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy E Essington ◽  
James F Kitchell ◽  
Carl J Walters
Keyword(s):  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Fish Growth ◽  
Good Precision ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Von Bertalanffy Growth Function ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Consumption Rates ◽  
Size At Age

The von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) is based on a bioenergetic expression of fish growth; therefore, size-at-age data can theoretically be used to estimate fish consumption rates. We evaluated the accuracy of VBGF-derived consumption rates by performing a meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis of VBGF assumptions, and we used Bayesian parameter estimation to quantify uncertainty in these estimates. The VBGF was robust to its assumption regarding the allometry of catabolism but was highly sensitive to the assumed allometry of consumption. Consequently, the commonly used form ("specialized" VBGF), which makes a strong assumption regarding the allometric slope of consumption, often grossly underestimates (>50%) consumption. The precision of the VBGF depended on characteristics of the size-at-age data used to parameterize the model. When data indicate decelerating growth, consumption rates were estimated with good precision; we estimated a 70% probability that bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) consumption rates were between 1 and 2% body mass per day. Otherwise, consumption estimates were poorly defined; yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) consumption rates between 2 and 7% per day were all equally likely. We conclude that VBGF can be a useful tool for estimating fish consumption rates, but potential biases and precision of these estimates should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

An Antarctic shelf population of the deep-sea, Pacific brachiopod Neorhynchia strebeli

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 399-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
David K.A. Barnes ◽  
Lloyd S. Peck
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sea ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Weddell Sea ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Growth Rings ◽  
Von Bertalanffy Growth Function ◽  
Annual Periodicity ◽  
A Site ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Order Rhynchonellida

Thirty-five specimens of the articulate brachiopod Neorhynchia strebeli were collected from a site at 814 m in the Weddell Sea. This was only the second species of the order Rhynchonellida to be found in Antarctica. Formerly N. strebeli was known solely from abyssal Pacific Ocean localities. A circumantarctic distribution is suggested in addition to the known deep-sea Pacific range. The specimens of this collection showed considerable commissure variation, suggesting that the previously proposed erection of two subspecies on the basis of this character is erroneous, and emphasises the phenotypic plasticity of some articulate brachiopods. The valve lengths and the number of alpha growth rings in the sample showed a normal distribution and a von Bertalanffy growth function was fitted to the data: Lt = 23 (1-exp[-0·228t]). If the alpha growth rings were of annual periodicity, the ages attained by the Antarctic N. strebeli of 11 y would be substantially lower than those reported for other Weddell Sea brachiopods. The epibiotic communities occurring on the valves of N. strebeli were impoverished, which is characteristic of deep water Antarctic brachiopods. The few specimens collected with their substratum were attached to small pebbles, but the typical attachment substrata may be different.

Age, Growth and Sex Ratio of the Azorean Rock-Pool Blenny, Parablennius Sanguinolentus Parvicornis

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 751-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Serrão Santos ◽  
Richard D. M. Nash ◽  
Stephen J. Hawkins
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Early Growth ◽  
Reproductive Season ◽  
First Year ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Rock Pool ◽  
Total Length ◽  
Von Bertalanffy Growth Function ◽  
One Year

The age and population structure of Parablennius sanguinolentus parvicornis (Valenciennes) (Pisces: Blenniidae) from the Azores have been studied. Total length and weight relationships are given for each sex. Age study was based on otoliths readings. The von Bertalanffy growth function was applied to describe the growth in total length with age. At the end of the first year mean (±SD) total length was significantly different in males (7.1 ±1.5 cm) and females (6.1 ±1.2 cm). One-year-old males participate in reproduction as satellites, whereas females do not. The implications of this in early growth rate of the males is discussed. During the two most important months of the reproductive season (i.e. June and July), the sex ratio was significantly biased towards males, particularly in the larger size classes.

scholarly journals Growth of Crassostrea gasar cultured in marine and estuary environments in Brazilian waters

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 975-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Ruschel Lopes ◽  
Carlos Henrique Araujo de Miranda Gomes ◽  
Cláudio Rudolfo Tureck ◽  
Claudio Manuel Rodrigues de Melo
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Nonlinear Models ◽  
Size Class ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Growth Data ◽  
Shell Size ◽  
Shell Weight ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Study Sites

The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar cultured in marine and estuarine environments. Oysters were cultured for 11 months in a longline system in two study sites - São Francisco do Sul and Florianópolis -, in the state of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. Water chlorophyll-α concentration, temperature, and salinity were measured weekly. The oysters were measured monthly (shell size and weight gain) to assess growth. At the end of the culture period, the average wet flesh weight, dry flesh weight, and shell weight were determined, as well as the distribution of oysters per size class. Six nonlinear models (logistic, exponential, Gompertz, Brody, Richards, and Von Bertalanffy) were adjusted to the oyster growth data set. Final mean shell sizes were higher in São Francisco do Sul than in Florianópolis. In addition, oysters cultured in São Francisco do Sul were more uniformly distributed in the four size classes than those cultured in Florianópolis. The highest average values of wet flesh weight and shell weight were observed in São Francisco do Sul, whereas dry flesh weight did not differ between the sites. The estuary environment is more promising for the cultivation of oysters.

A new model accounting for seasonal cessation of growth in fishes

1992 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 1151 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Pauly ◽  
M Soriano-Bartz ◽  
J Moreau ◽  
A Jarre-Teichmann
Keyword(s):  
Salmo Salar ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Sine Wave ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
New Model ◽  
Von Bertalanffy Growth Function ◽  
Zero Growth ◽  
Key Features ◽  
Summer Growth

A modified version of the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) is proposed in which a sine wave modifies a standard version of the VBGF, enabling a smooth transition between rapid summer growth and a variable period of zero growth (in length) during winter or during the dry season for aestivating fishes. The key features of a nonlinear routine for fitting this new model are also presented, with emphasis on the estimation of the period of zero growth. Application examples, to Salmo salar and Trisopterus esmarkii, are presented.

scholarly journals Flexible Bayesian analysis of the von Bertalanffy growth function with the use of a log-skew-t distribution

2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-26
Author(s):  
Freddy Omar López Quintero ◽  
Javier E. Contreras-Reyes ◽  
Rodrigo Wiff ◽  
Reinaldo B. Arellano-Valle
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Analysis ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Von Bertalanffy Growth Function ◽  
T Distribution
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