Consistency of patterns between laboratory experiments and field collected fish in otolith chemistry: an example and applications for salinity reconstructions
T. S. Elsdon A B C and B. M. Gillanders AA Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, Darling Building DP-418, School of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
B Current address: State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
C Corresponding author. Email: travis.elsdon@adelaide.edu.au
Marine and Freshwater Research 56(5) 609-617 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF04146
Submitted: 13 July 2004 Accepted: 1 February 2005 Published: 21 July 2005
Abstract
Elemental concentrations within fish otoliths can track movements and migrations of fish through gradients of environmental variables. Tracking the movements of fish relies on establishing links between environmental variables and otolith chemistry, with links commonly made using laboratory experiments that rear juvenile fish. However, laboratory experiments done on juvenile fish may not accurately reflect changes in wild fish, particularly adults. We tested the hypotheses that: (1) the relationship between ambient (water) and otolith chemistry is similar between laboratory-reared black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) and wild black bream; and (2) ontogeny does not influence otolith chemistry. Field-collected and laboratory-reared fish showed similar effects of ambient strontium : calcium (Sr : Ca) on otolith Sr : Ca concentrations. However, ambient and otolith barium : calcium concentrations (Ba : Ca) differed slightly between laboratory-reared and field-collected fish. Importantly, fish reared in stable environmental variables showed no influence of ontogeny on Sr : Ca or Ba : Ca concentrations. Natural distributions of ambient Sr : Ca showed no clear relationship to salinity, yet, ambient Ba : Ca was inversely related to salinity. The distribution of ambient Sr : Ca and Ba : Ca in estuaries inhabited by black bream, suggest that these elements can answer different questions regarding environmental histories of fish. Reconstructing salinity histories of black bream using otolith Ba : Ca concentrations seems plausible, if adequate knowledge of Ba : Ca gradients within estuaries is obtained.
Extra keywords: barium, elements, ontogeny, strontium.
Acknowledgements
The current research was supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award and Australian Federation of University Women bursary to T.S.E., and an Australian Research Council Queen Elizabeth II fellowship to B.M.G. Funding for the field component was provided by a Fisheries Society of the British Isles grant, an Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board Grant, a Mark Mitchell grant to T.S.E. Funding for the laboratory component was provided by an Australia and Pacific Science Foundation grant to T.S.E. and B.M.G., and an ARC large grant to B.M.G.
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