Abstract
The migratory history of Anguilla dieffenbachii and A. australis, collected from a coastal lake of New Zealand, was examined using analysis of strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) concentrations. Line analysis of Sr : Ca ratios along the life history transect of each otolith showed a peak (Ca. 16–20 × 10−3) between the core and elver mark, which corresponded to the period of their leptocephalus and early glass eel stages in the ocean. The mean Sr : Ca ratios from the elver mark to the otolith edge indicated that eels had different migratory histories, which included freshwater residency in some eels (average Sr : Ca ratios, 1.7 × 10−3–2.4 × 10−3) but not in others (average Sr : Ca ratios, 3.1 × 10−3–6.5 × 10−3). These findings suggest that New Zealand freshwater eels have a flexible migration strategy and an ability to adapt to various habitats and salinities.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call