Abstract: The starvation endurance and effects of starvation on feeding ability,growth,morphological change,and survival in larval Spinibarbus denticulatus were studied in a laboratory at water temperature of（27.0±0.5）℃.The results showed that the larvae had initial feeding ability 5 days after hatching,with initial feeding rate of 90%.The unfed larvae had the maximal feeding rate of 100% 6-11 days after hatching,following by decreasing rate.The point of no return（PNR）was observed in the unfed larvae 17 days after hatching.The survival rate was not affected significantly by delayed initial feeding for 1-8 days,and then decreased significantly with increase in delayed initial feeding time.Above 50% of mortality occurred in the unfed larvae 1 day before PNR.Under the absolutely hungry condition,the larvae had growth in total length when delayed initial feeding for 1-7 days and subsequently degrowth,and undevelopment of anal fin and ventral fin appeared.The unfed larvae had curved spina dorsalis,big head and thin body,atrophic intestines,big gall bladder,and yellow and green bile in the gall bladder before or in PNR stage.According to the changes in morphology of the larvae,it is suggested that the larvae have strong capability of compensatory growth and starvation endurance.
2010, Vol. 25 
