Abstract
The fork length ( L F ) of individual chub Leuciscus cephalus in English riverine populations at the end of their first growth season varied considerably, ranging from 70 mm. This had a significant influence on the subsequent growth of individuals over their lifetime. Chub of small L F at age 1 year generally produced smaller annual growth increments throughout life than those of longer L F at age 1 year, although they had the potential to attain greater ultimate L F . This variability in L F at age 1 year resulted, at least in part, from multiple spawning events over a protracted period, that caused variation in the growing seasons for 0 year group chub of the same year class. Since the adult population contained individuals that only attained L F of L F at age 1 year may not be such a major precursor to strong chub recruitment as previously thought.