EXPLORING AND MODELING THE GROWTH DYNAMICS OF MYSIS-MIXTA

The model described here was developed for Mysis mixta (Crustacea, Mys idacea) by testing and revising an existing model based on literature data and presented (Rudstam, L.G., 1989. J. Plankton Res. 11, 971-83). Mysids were reared from juvenile to adult under constant conditions i n the laboratory and their growth and food consumption were measured. Collection of growth data were accompanied by the body carbon content dynamics converted to energy equivalent and generative growth measurem ents. Costs for reproduction and embryos development were estimated an d integrated into the model. The simulations carried out show that the revised model gives relevant predictions of both growth dynamics and changes in carbon content. The bioenergetics model, combined with data on the population abundance, size distribution and diets, can be used to estimate the food consumption and production of M. mixta. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.