Life-history studies by non-lethal sampling: using microchemical constituents of fin rays as chronological recorders.
Chemical properties of fin rays were investigated in nine fish species to test whether life-history characteristics can be analysed using a non-lethal and minimally invasive methodology. Fish specimens from public aquariums were acquired after fishes died in captivity. Analyses concentrated on exploring the differences between the wild and captive life periods of each fish, which were known from aquarium records. Differences between the two life periods were observed in both the trace-element and stable-isotope compositions of the chemical matrix of the fin ray. Trace-element concentrations in fin rays were compared with those in otoliths using measures of resolved variance and cross-correlation to test the assumption of conserved matrices in the fin ray. Divalent ions and positively charged transition metals (i.e. Fe and Co) had strong associations between the two structures, suggesting conservation of material. Stable-isotope values of δ13C and δ15N differed between the wild and captive life periods in most of the fishes, also suggesting conserved matrices. δ13C and δ15N were derived from the organic matrix within the fin ray, which may present a stable-isotope chronology. Future studies can use these chronologies to study diet and movement trends on a temporal scale consistent with the entire lifetime of an individual.
College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, 140 7th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, Florida, 33701, U.S.A.
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Tzadik
College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, 140 7th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, Florida, 33701, U.S.A.
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Peebles
College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, 140 7th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, Florida, 33701, U.S.A.
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Stallings
D063147:Animal Distribution; D058500:Animal Fins / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005399:Fishes; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D010037:Otolithic Membrane / Q000737:chemistry*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D014131:Trace Elements
microchemistry; mineral matrix; otolith chemistry; proteinaceous matrix; trophic chronology