Ontogenetic development and allometric growth patterns of the Peruvian rock seabass Paralabrax humeralis (Valenciennes, 1828) under culture conditions in Northern Chile

Azocar C.; Pepe-Victoriano R.; Futagawa M.; Araya M.; Díaz J.P.; Huanacuni J.I.; Resurrección-Huertas J.Z.; Espinoza-Ramos L.A. · Frontiers in Marine Science (2026) · DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1700126

Resumen

Larval development in marine fish is a critical phase for aquaculture, as morphological and physiological changes during early ontogeny largely determine survival and subsequent performance. Paralabrax humeralis, a serranid species from the southeastern Pacific, has potential for aquaculture diversification in northern Chile; however, information on its early developmental biology and allometric growth under culture conditions remains limited. Larvae were obtained from spontaneous spawning of broodstock and reared under semi-intensive production system conditions. From hatching to 35 days post-hatching (DPH), 10–18 larvae were sampled daily and measured for total length and multiple morphometric variables related to feeding and locomotion. Developmental stages were identified following standard larval classifications, and allometric growth patterns were analyzed using power regression models. Growth trajectories were explored using LOESS smoothing, and inflection points were estimated through slope comparison analyses. Five developmental stages were identified: yolk sac, preflexion, flexion, postflexion, and early juvenile. Early development showed pronounced positive allometric growth in head and tail-related structures, reflecting functional prioritization of feeding and swimming. During flexion, growth coefficients shifted, indicating changes in developmental priorities. In postflexion and juvenile stages, most body proportions exhibited a trend toward isometric growth. Inflection points in body proportion growth were detected between 7.99 and 8.73 mm total length. The overall specific growth rate was 7.2% day-1. The observed allometric patterns indicate distinct ontogenetic growth priorities associated with key functional transitions during early development. These findings establish a morphological baseline for P. humeralis and provide essential information for optimizing larviculture protocols, supporting its incorporation into aquaculture systems in northern Chile. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú; Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann; Universidad Nacional José Faustino Sánchez Carrión