fish larval physiology

Fish larvae are the early developmental stage after hatch, where they are tiny and fragile. Their physiology is specialized for survival; they have developing organs, including a soft, transparent body, functioning gills for breathing, and a yolk sac providing nutrients. As they grow, they gradually transform into juvenile fish, building muscle, developing fins, and forming a digestive system capable of processing food. During this stage, larvae are highly sensitive to environmental conditions like water quality and food availability, which are critical for their growth and transition into adult fish.