The influence of energetic requirements on the preferred temperature of overwintering juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Abstract

We used a horizontal temperature gradient to investigate the effect of alternate life history strategies and nutritional state on the preferred temperature of overwintering juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Contrary to our prediction, there was no significant difference in final preferred temperature between juvenile Atlantic salmon that will migrate to sea the following spring (early migrants) and those that show reduced growth and delay migration for at least another year (delayed migrants). Both migrant groups preferentially selected relatively low temperatures (<10°C), likely owing to their low appetite and growth rates. Food deprivation resulted in a significant increase, rather than our predicted decrease, in the final preferred temperature of the juvenile Atlantic salmon of approximately 2°C. We suggest that this is due to the need for an increased foraging effort to offset the projected energy deficit later in the winter. The final preferred temperature of delayed migrants increased from winter to spring, as predicted, coincident with increases in natural food availability and endogenous seasonal increases in appetite and growth rates. We conclude that the preferred temperature of overwintering juvenile Atlantic salmon may be influenced by future energetic requirements rather than the current level of energy reserves.