CHARACTERIZATION OF SIZE VARIABILITY AND THE EFFECT OF INTRASPECIFIC COMPETITION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIZE VARIATION IN THE ABALONE HALIOTIS-TUBERCULATA LINNAEUS

The development of the size distribution curve in a juvenile populatio n of Haliotis tuberculata L., reared under various stocking densities, was examined. The population exhibited a lognormal size distribution which, with time, became increasingly skewed. It is suggested that the increase in skewness with increasing density is a result of interfere nce competition. The allometric relationship measured by the equilibri um constant derived from the regression of weight on length increased with increasing stocking density. The distribution of shell size among juvenile abalone was further assessed by comparing communally reared populations with singly raised individuals, The decrease in logarithmi c variation in individuals grown communally and in isolation suggests that the variation of attained sizes of juveniles in a H. tuberculata population has a genetic basis.