• 1 Introduction.- 2 Gonad formation.- 2.1 Seasonal changes of main constituents.- 2.2 Reproductive effort.- 3 Characteristics of fish reproductive products.- Energy content and composition of mature eggs.- 3.1 Egg size.- 3.2 Caloric value of egg dry matter.- 3.3 Egg composition.- 3.4 Methodological remarks.- 3.5 Concluding remarks.- Factors affecting fish offspring.- 3.6 Genetic factors.- 3.7 Nongenetic internal factors.- 3.8 Biotic external factors.- 3.9 Abiotic external factors.- 3.10 Effect of egg quality on fish offspring.- 4 Endogenous feeding period.- 4.1 Development.- 4.2 Yolk absorption.- 4.3 Body growth.- 4.4 Metabolism.- 4.5 Budgets of energy or matter.- 5 Mixed feeding period.- 5.1 General remarks.- 5.2 Critical periods in fish early life.- 6 Early exogenous feeding period.- 6.1 Development.- 6.2 Feeding.- 6.3 Body growth.- 6.4 Metabolism.- 6.5 Budgets of energy or matter.- 7 Feeding of fish larvae in aquaculture.- 7.1 Evaluation of effects.- 7.2 Live foods v. formulated diets.- References.- Species index.

'...this book is essential reading for marine ichthyologists! (The reviewer is certainly delighted to have a copy on his shelves.)...the book is full of useful information; it is quantitive, well written and well produced. It has an extensive bibliography, subject and species indexes, and a glossary. ...it should find a ready market with individual scientists as well as libraries.' Fisheries Research ' ...it contains a wealth of information obtained from an impressive array of sources...very useful reference text for researchers and advanced students of fish development and culture of these early and critical stages in fish. I predict that it will become a well-used reference text for postgraduate students in Aquaculture...a very useful text...easy to read...a good investment.' Aquaculture