Figure 1 in Testing predictions of length at first maturity of teleostean fishes, given their maximum length

Figure 1. – Schematic representation of how, in fish, a declining relative gill surface area (G-lines in A-D) and thus oxygen (O2) supply imposes a limit to body weight (Wmax) when the oxygen reaches a level just sufficient for maintenance (Qmaint in A). When a stress factor (e.g., a higher temperature) increases the O2 demand for maintenance, Wmax is reached at smaller sizes (B). Maturation and spawning must occur at a size Wm Qmaint (C). This contribution suggests that the ratio Qm/ Qmaint is similar and constant among fishes, thus enabling them to adjust their value of Wm under stress condition (D; see text).