Effects of pH on the early development and growth and otolith microstructure of chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Abstract

Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) eggs, alevins, and fry were reared in pH 4.5, 5.0. 5.5, 6.2 (control), and 7.0 water from the eyed stage of development. Survival through hatching was >90% in all instances. Alevin mortality was high at pH 4.5 and 5.0. Fry were more tolerant of low pH than alevins. Growth rates of alevins and fry held at or above pH 5.0 and 4.5, respectively, were not affected by pH, nor did exposure to acidic water retard otolith development or result in their resorption. One otolith daily growth increment was formed every 24 h in alevins and fry irrespective of pH. Widths of otolith daily growth increments decreased when fry were transferred to pH 4.5 water and increased on their return to higher pH indicating changes in growth rate. Transfer of fry from pH 6.2 to pH 5.0 or 5.5 had no effect on increment widths.