Peled larvae (Coregonus peled Gmel.) were reared in illuminated cages in two stocking densities (10 000 and 40 000 fish per cage) from the end of April to the end of June. Partitioning of food resources by larvae was determined among size classes with reference to the number and energetic value of consumed zooplankton prey. After hatching all larvae had nearly the same body size. With the growth a notable differentiation in their size followed. It was the result of unequal distribution of food among fish, especially in the case of energetic value of consumed organisms. Usually, regardless of the number of prey consumed, peled larvae that were the smallest on the following days, shared the smallest part of zooplankton energetic value, the larvae of the largest size had the biggest part. The smallest larvae attained maximally up to 53.5% of average energetic value of consumed food, the biggest fish exploited even up to 365.6%. Such unequal food intake at early life stages determines the animal individual rank in social hierarchy, and is frequently considered as a control mechanism in population dynamics.

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