Patterns of linear growth and formation of annulus on scales of pacific herring in Peter the Great Bay

Abstract

The data on linear growth and the scale annuli forming are generalized for pacific herring in Peter the Great Bay. The growth zone on scales begins in April-May, whereas the annuli of slow growth are formed from October to January. The phenological season of active somatic growth also starts in April-May for herring in this area, the largest gains of the body length are detected in late summer — early autumn, and the active growth ends by NovemberDecember. Size diversity for young fish depends on starting conditions of growth in the first year of life and the timing of puberty. The diversity increases for adults because of the growth accelerating for the fish dwelling in local favorable environments with longer growing season.