Consistency of standard metabolic rate in relation to life history strategy of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

Abstract

Temporal consistency of relative standard metabolic rate (rSMR) of individual Atlantic salmon Salmo salar juveniles in three stocks was investigated. The stocks differed in their geographical origin and natal habitat (fresh water, brackish water, seawater). Oxygen consumption measurements of hatchery-reared fish hatched in February 2005 were conducted three times: in early spring 2006, in autumn 2006, and in late spring 2007. The results partly disagreed and partly agreed with earlier studies, in which temporal consistency of SMR in juvenile salmonids have been addressed. In the first period from early spring to autumn, no correlation between rSMR statuses of individuals was found whereas in the second period from autumn to late spring, fish were mainly observed to maintain their relative SMR level indicating a significant repeatability of individual rSMR status over the latter period. Furthermore, a relationship between rSMR status and life history strategy was found: post-smolts and smolts had higher SMR than non-smolts.