Differences in density-dependence drive dual offspring size strategies in fish

- A model of optimal offspring size in fish under juvenile density-dependent mortality is proposed.
- Two offspring size strategies emerge: as small as possible or proportional to the adult size.
- The specific strategy depends on the strength of predation mortality and reproductive efficiency.
- The strategies are consistent with fish reproduction and may apply more widely in marine animals.

Offspring size reflects the optimal balance between female fecundity and allocation of energy to each offspring. Most fish, in particular teleost species, produce many small eggs, while others, notably elasmobranch species, have low fecundity and large offspring. No general explanation has yet been put forwards to explain these different strategies between species which occupy similar habitats. We approach the problem by (1) examining the differences between life history parameters of teleost fish and elasmobranchs and (2) an evolutionary model. We show that life history parameters characterising growth, mortality and reproductive output are almost similar between teleosts and elasmobranchs. We find that a model which accounts for density-dependence predicts dual offspring size strategies: either invariant with adult size or proportional to adult size. The model predicts that the invariant strategy is associated with an absence of density-dependence in early life whereas proportional offspring are subject to density-dependence throughout life. Parameterising the model using life history data regenerates the observed dual offspring size pattern. We conjecture that the life stage where density-dependent competition occurs is an important factor behind the observed difference in offspring size strategies.