Size-Dependent Maturity
Companies should trigger major transitions based on accumulated capabilities (revenue, market position, technical maturity) rather than arbitrary timelines.
The fish is asking: 'Have I accumulated enough energy reserves to support reproduction?' If yes, mature. If no, keep growing.
Size-dependent maturity is when reproductive transition is triggered by resource accumulation rather than time passage. Most fish become sexually mature primarily based on size (energy reserves) rather than age alone - a well-fed fish might mature at age 2, while a poorly-fed fish might not mature until age 5, but both mature at roughly the same body size. Arabidopsis flowers after producing ~10 leaves regardless of whether that takes 4 weeks (full light) or 8 weeks (poor light). The organism measures developmental stage, not chronological age.
Business Application of Size-Dependent Maturity
Companies should trigger major transitions based on accumulated capabilities (revenue, market position, technical maturity) rather than arbitrary timelines. A company that reaches $50M ARR in 3 years and one that takes 7 years may both be equally ready for expansion.