Ontogenic changes in the allometric scaling of the mass and length relationship in Sprattus sprattus

An analysis of mass (M) and standard length (L_S) data for larval juvenile and adult sprat (Sprattus sprattus; Clupeidae) revealed marked changes in the allometric scaling factor (b in M=aL_s^b). For sprat <44 mm L_S, b was 5.0, whereas in larger juveniles and adults, b was c. 3.4 indicating a relatively protracted metamorphic period for this species.