Understanding the life histories of amphidromous fish by integrating otolith‐derived growth reconstructions, post‐larval migrations and reproductive traits

Abstract

Abstract Amphidromy is the most prevalent type of diadromous migration. Despite this, the conservation and management of amphidromous species is exceptionally challenging because this life history type, with larval development in a pelagic habitat (usually marine) and adult development in fresh water, is poorly resolved. The chronological properties of otoliths, together with a spatial and temporal analysis of post‐larval migration traits and adult reproductive traits, were used to reconstruct the life history of a widespread, yet declining amphidromous galaxiid, Galaxias maculatus, and to explore relationships between marine and freshwater life phases. A wide range of post‐larval migration traits were observed over the peak migratory period. Post‐larvae were smaller and younger at inward migration late in the migration season (November) and were derived from winter spawning events. Earlier migrants (September) were larger, older and derived from autumn spawning events. Age estimates confirmed that G. maculatus is largely an annual species, but back‐calculated hatch dates showed that spawning times are more extensive than previously known. Growth reconstructions revealed that winter‐hatched larvae were faster growing during marine and freshwater life and attained sexual maturity at a younger age than autumn‐hatched fish. However, no differences in body size or reproductive investment were detected between autumn‐ and winter‐hatched larvae. The first 50 days of marine growth were inter‐dependent, indicating that early larval growth may be the critical link to understanding intra‐ and inter‐annual recruitment variations of inward migrating post‐larvae. Furthermore, growth after 60 days of larval life propagated through to adult freshwater development, highlighting linkages between late marine and adult freshwater life. This study highlights the value of studying the marine and freshwater life phases of amphidromous species in tandem. This interconnected understanding must ultimately be achieved for the conservation and management of species with this poorly understood life history type.