Age validation and comparison of growth rates in behaviourally and geographically distinct population of cunner, Tautogolabrus adspersus

Chiasson, Wayne B. (1995) Age validation and comparison of growth rates in behaviourally and geographically distinct population of cunner, Tautogolabrus adspersus. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[img] [English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version
Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission.

Download (3MB)
  • [img] [English] PDF - Accepted Version
    Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission.
    (Original Version)

Abstract

The occurrence of annuli on sagittal otoliths of the cunner, Tautogolabrus adspersus, were validated by injection with oxytetracycline hydrochloride in a field study. Otoliths were then used to compare growth rates of behaviourally and geographically distinct populations. Territorial males exhibited significantly slower growth than non-territorial males from the same pair spawning population. Although group spawning males had similar rates of growth as did males from the pair spawning population, they did exhibit a negative correlation between length at age and gonadosomatic index (GSI), suggesting a tradeoff between gonadal investment and somatic growth. No such relationship existed for males from the pair spawning population. Females from the two populations grew at similar rates and their growth was not correlated with GSI. Newfoundland cunner appear to grow as fast as cunner from farther south where they have a longer growing season and higher temperatures. This suggests that some form of growth compensation occurs in Newfoundland cunner.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
URI: http://research.library.mun.ca/id/eprint/6563
Item ID: 6563
Additional Information: Bibliography: leaves 104-109.
Department(s): Science, Faculty of > Biology
Date: 1995
Date Type: Submission
Library of Congress Subject Heading: Cunner--Growth

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over the past year

View more statistics