Ontogenetic allometric coefficient changes: implications of diet shift and morphometric traits in Hoplias malabaricus (Bloch) (Characiforme, Erythrinidae)

This study evaluated the relationship between body size and digestive tract characteristics of the important predatory freshwater fish Hoplias malabaricus, which is widely distributed in South America. The allometric coefficients were calculated for the mass and standard length (LS) relationships for two different LS groups: (1) between 20 and 100 mm (characterized as insectivores) and (2) >100 mm (characterized as piscivores). Differential growth measured from the allometric coefficient, b, between the insectivore (b < 3) and the piscivore (b > 3) groups was detected. Anterior intestine length and pyloric caeca zone length showed significant differences between groups. Two complementary hypotheses were developed to explain the differential growth: (1) H. malabaricus has a digestive tract adapted to a piscivorous diet, which is independent of its ontogenetic stage of development, and (2) the negative allometry observed in group 1 individuals agrees with a general behavioural strategy, allowing individuals to grow in LS during a shorter period of time.