Phenotypic plasticity of habitat use by three temperate eel species, Anguilla anguilla, A. japonica and A. rostrata
Journal
Marine Ecology Progress Series
Journal Issue
308
Pages
231-241
Date Issued
2006
Date
2006-02
Author(s)
Daverat, Françoise
Limburg, Karin E.
Thibault, Isabel
Dodson, Julian J.
Caron, François
Tzeng, Wann-Nian
Iizuka, Yoshiyuki
Wickström, Håkan
Abstract
Habitat use patterns of 3 species of temperate eels, Anguilla anguilla, A. japonica and A. rostrata, were investigated using otolith strontium:calcium ratio life history transects. Published and unpublished data from 6 sites (Canada, United States, Sweden, France, Taiwan and Japan) sampled across the geographical range of each eel species were compiled. Sr:Ca patterns indicated that the 3 species displayed similar patterns of habitat use. In all sites, patterns of habitat use consisted of either residency in one habitat (fresh, brackish, or marine) or movements between habitats. One movement pattern consisted of either a single change or 2 changes of habitat from fresh to brackish waters, or from brackish water to freshwater. Seasonal movements between fresh and brackish waters were observed for all 3 species. When only a single habitat switch event was detected, it occurred between 3 and 5 yr of age. Occurrence of eels with no freshwater experience was demonstrated, but such eels accounted for a smaller proportion of the overall sample than eels with some (even brief) freshwater experience. Contrary to the common convention that these are obligate catadromous species, we must now consider them as facultative catadromous, with far more flexibility in habitat use. The most variable parameter among study sites was the relative proportion, rather than the diversity, of lifetime spent in the various habitat use patterns. Eels found at higher latitudes exhibited a greater probability of remaining in the lower reaches of watersheds in brackish water. Diversity of habitat use appears to be a common strategy of temperate eel species, and, as a life history tactic, is under environmental control.
Subjects
Habitat use
Anguilla spp
Otolith Sr:Ca
SDGs
Other Subjects
eel; habitat use; movement; otolith; phenotypic plasticity; Anguilla anguilla; Anguilla japonica; Anguilla rostrata
Type
journal article
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