Using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence microchemistry to infer migratory life history of Atlantic sturgeon

作者：Balazik Matthew T^*; McIninch Stephen P; Garman Greg C; Fine Michael L; Smith Clint B

来源：Environmental Biology of Fishes, 2012, 95(2): 191-194.

DOI：10.1007/s10641-012-9979-3

• Atlantic sturgeon
• Sturgeon spine
• Sr/Ca ratio
• Diadromy
• EDXRF

Atlantic sturgeon migrate between ocean and freshwater habitats to spawn, and juveniles spend several years in fresh/brackish water before returning to the ocean. Because strontium/calcium (Sr/Ca) ratios are diagnostic for freshwater and marine environments, we examined the utility of energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) to quantify Sr/Ca ratios of Atlantic sturgeon pectoral fin spines. Atlantic sturgeon spines from wild adults and experimental juveniles were analyzed along a linear transect from the primordium to the outermost point. To verify the technique hatchery juvenile Atlantic sturgeon were held in experimental tanks at %26lt; 0.5, 13-15, or 33-35aEuro degrees and sampled after 5 months. Sr/Ca ratios of experimental hatchery fish increased with salinity, and Sr/Ca ratios in wild adults varied predictably along the measurement transect. However, the ratio decreased in the outermost region of the spine in mature fish collected during a return to freshwater for spawning. Therefore EDXRF is a useful tool to track individual movements of Atlantic sturgeons and other diadromous fish.

• 出版日期2012-10