Size and MEP-2* variation in juvenile Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) in the River North Esk, Scotland

Abstract

The relationship of size to MEP-2* genotype was investigated in 0+ juvenile Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) in the River North Esk, Scotland. Significant temperature-associated MEP-2* heterogeneity was observed among tributaries and, in the two tributaries studied, size and MEP-2* genotype were significantly associated. No size association, or heterogeneity among tributaries, was found for the other allozyme polymorphisms screened. The results suggest that the association between size and MEP-2* variation, noted by others, is likely to be widespread in wild populations, and potentially linked to habitat temperature.