Dynamics of increase in muscle fibers in fishes in relation to size and growth

Summary Dynamics of increase of white myotomal muscle fibers of four species of freshwater teleosts (Salmo gairdneri, Pimephales notatus, Esox masquinongy andE. americanus vermiculatus) from three families (Salmonidae, Cyprinidae, Esocidae) representing a variety of maximum attainable sizes and growth rates, have been investigated. There are at least three major differences in these dynamics, and there appears to be an association between the ability of a fish species to attain large size (and grow fast) and its ability to recruit new fibers into this predominant tissue of the myotomal mass.