Fig. 1

a Cortisol release rates in the holding tanks of Phase 1: The early-life protocol was applied at different periods, i.e. from first feeding to flexion (Group FF), from flexion to the formation of all fins (Group FLX) and from the formation of all fins to the full cover of body with melanophores (Group ALL FINS). One group remained undisturbed and served as control (CON). b Growth performance during Phase 1: Growth performance during (TL: total length; WW: wet weight) the period that the early-life protocol was applied (days 5 to 60 post hatching, Phase 1). Control: control larvae; STR-FF: larvae exposed to early-life events from first feeding onwards flexion; STR-FLX: from flexion onwards formation of all fins; STR-FINS: from the formation of all fins onwards full cover of body by melanophores. Values are given as mean ± S.D. (n = 10 per group and sampling point)