The growth history of anadromous white‐spotted charr in northern Japan: a comparison between river and sea life

Abstract

Anadromous white‐spotted charrSalvelinus leucomaenisin a natural river in northern Japan migrated to the sea mainly at age 3+ years. Sea‐run charr grew faster than parr, particularly as first time migrants. Sea‐run charr repeated seaward migration up to three times; the observed maximum age was 5+ years old. The likelihood ratio test identified significant differences in asymptotic size and individual growth variability between parr and sea‐run charr. Sea‐run charr had an asymptotic size (L∞) twice as large as parr, while the growth parameter (K) was similar between sea‐run and parr. Growth variability was higher for parr than for sea‐run charr.