Fish larvae can be used as ecological indicators to assess the health and productivity of aquatic ecosystems. The several key aspects of fish larvae are used as indicators, for example:
- Using fish larvae as a bioindicator of water quality.
- Some species are sensitive to pollution and can’t survive in contaminated water. Researchers can estimate pollution levels in an aquatic environment by tracking the presence and abundance of different fish larvae.
- Using to track changes in temperature and seasonal variability.
- When the water temperature changes, the larvae of different fish species hatch and grow at different times. This can provide information about seasonal and the impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystem.
- Using indicate the health of the food chain in an ecosystem
- Can be assessed by fish larvae size. Larger larvae indicate more productive habitats because they can get enough food to support their growth rate.
