Growth differences in 0-group plaice Pleuronectes platessa as revealed by otolith microstructure analysis
Karakiri, M.; Berghahn, R.; von Westernhagen, H. (1989). Growth differences in 0-group plaice Pleuronectes platessa as revealed by otolith microstructure analysis. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 55: 15-22
Otolith increment analysis of 0-group plaice Pleuronectes platessa L. from the North Frisian Wadden Sea (F. R. Germany) revealed significant differences in size-at-age between 1981 and 1982. Backdating showed settlement to have occurred at about the same date in both years. Since water temperature condtions during the subsequent months in 1981 and 1982 were also almost identical, it is concluded that food limitation occurring in different parts of the nursery may have led to growth differences. The same holds true for differential growth of subpopulations in different nursery areas in 1981. Growth acceleration was reflected In the mean width of daily increments, deposited during the bottom-living stage, in otoliths of plaice which encountered rich feeding areas during the season. Furthermore, slower growth rate was observed in 0-group plaice populations on the edge of the Wadden Sea. However, time of settlement, as showed by daily increment readings, proved to be the same as in populations in the main nursery ground. In this case, retarded growth outside the nursery can beattributed to water temperature, food limitation or the action of breakers.
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