Effects of Temperature on Survival and Development of Early Life Stage Pacific and Western Brook Lampreys

Abstract

AbstractWe examined the effects of temperature (10, 14, 18, and 22°C) on survival and development of Pacific lampreys Lampetra tridentata and western brook lampreys L. richardsoni during embryological and early larval stages. The temperature for zero development was estimated for each species, and the response to temperature was measured as the proportion of individuals surviving to hatch, surviving to the larval stage, and exhibiting abnormalities at the larval stage (i.e., malformations of the body). The estimated temperature for zero development was 4.85°C for Pacific lampreys and 4.97°C for western brook lampreys. Survival was greatest at 18°C, followed by 14, 10, and 22°C, significant differences being observed between 22°C and the other temperatures. Overall survival was significantly greater for western brook lampreys than for Pacific lampreys; however, the overall difference in proportion of individuals surviving was only 0.02. Overall survival significantly decreased from the time of hatch (proportion surviving = 0.85) to the larval stage (0.82; i.e., during the free‐embryo stage). The proportion of individuals exhibiting abnormalities at the larval stage was greatest at 22°C, followed by 18, 10, and 14°C, significant differences being observed between 22°C and the other temperatures. These data provide baseline information on the thermal requirements of early life stage Pacific and western brook lampreys and will aid in assessment and prediction of suitable spawning and rearing habitats for these species.