Energy allocation in larval and juvenile Coregonus lavaretus: validation of a bioenergetics model

Food consumption and energy allocation of larval and juvenile whitefish Coregonus lavaretus L. were studied by conducting respirometry experiments at 10, 12 and 15 degrees C. Results from these experiments were compared with those predicted by a bioenergetics model that used observed growth as the major input. The data were used to assess the performance of the model, and evaluate its suitability for estimation of food consumption by whitefish. The mean absolute % error (epsilon) between observed and predicted food consumption was 16.3%, and the modelling efficiency (M(E)) was 0.90, indicating that the model was reasonably robust. Linear regression analysis of predicted v. observed food consumption values gave a slope slightly above unity, indicating a tendency for the model to overestimate consumption at higher values. epsilon and M(E) were also calculated for total metabolic rate (R(T)), and they equalled 13.0% and 0.85, respectively. Despite some deficiencies, it is concluded that the model can be used for prediction of food consumption by highly active, planktivorous fish such as whitefish. (C) 1998 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.