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.

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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.

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