Stress and saltwater-entry behavior of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): conflicts in physiological motivation

2003 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 910-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Seals Price ◽  
Carl B Schreck
Keyword(s):  
Fresh Water ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Salt Water ◽  
Salinity Gradient ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Juvenile Chinook Salmon ◽  
Predator Model ◽  
Entry Behavior ◽  
Severe Stressor

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of a mild or severe stressor on the saltwater preference of juvenile spring chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). To observe the response of fish to an overhead threat, we presented stressed fish with an avian predator model in the second experiment. Experiments were conducted in 757-L tanks containing a stable vertical salinity gradient. Only 69% of fish stressed by being chased for 2 min before saltwater introduction (mild stressor) held in salt water, whereas 95% of unchased control fish preferred the saltwater layer. After the more severe handling and confinement stressor, only 20% of fish entered and remained in salt water compared with 100% of unstressed controls. After the presentation of the avian model, stressed fish holding in fresh water moved into the saltwater layer, but this behavioral response was transient. Fish began returning to fresh water within 10 min, and after 1 h, only 26% of stressed fish remained in the saltwater layer. Stress significantly decreases the saltwater preference of chinook salmon that would otherwise select full-strength salt water and may affect behavior in the estuary. Although smoltification primes these fish for seawater residence, stress apparently induced a conflicting physiological motivation.

Repeat sexual maturation of precocious male chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) transferred to seawater

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 683-688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Bernier ◽  
Daniel D. Heath ◽  
David J. Randall ◽  
George K. Iwama
Keyword(s):  
Fresh Water ◽  
Sexual Maturation ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Salt Water ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Salmon Parr ◽  
And Control

Precocious sexual maturation in salmonid parr occurs under both wild and culture conditions. We investigated the possibility of repeat maturation in precocious chinook salmon parr from the Nicola River, British Columbia. Precocious and immature (control) yearling parr were reared in fresh water from March 1990 to mid-June, and then transferred to salt water (29–30 ppt) until September 1990. The precocious parr were significantly larger than the controls from March to July and there were no differences in relative growth rate between the groups throughout the study. Total mortalities were 45.7 and 5.9% for precocious and control fish, respectively. All of the precocious, but none of the control fish, produced milt in March in fresh water. None of the fish produced milt soon after the transfer to salt water in June, but all precocious fish and 18.8% of the controls produced milt in September. There were no significant differences in the average plasma concentrations of Na+, Cl−, and cortisol between groups in September, suggesting that both precocious parr and control groups were saltwater competent. These data demonstrate that male precocious chinook salmon parr have the physiological capability to mature more than once in seawater.

Predator avoidance ability of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) subjected to sublethal exposures of gas-supersaturated water

1997 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 757-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
M G Mesa ◽  
J J Warren
Keyword(s):  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Predator Avoidance ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Dissolved Gas ◽  
Juvenile Chinook Salmon ◽  
Unexposed Control ◽  
Lateral Lines ◽  
Gill Filaments ◽  
Juvenile Chinook

To assess the effects of gas bubble trauma (GBT) on the predator avoidance ability of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), we created groups of fish that differed in prevalence and severity of gas emboli in their lateral lines, fins, and gills by exposing them to 112% total dissolved gas (TDG) for 13 days, 120% TDG for 8 h, or 130% TDG for 3.5 h. We subjected exposed and unexposed control fish simultaneously to predation by northern squawfish (Ptychocheilus oregonensis) in water of normal gas saturation in 6, 18, and 10 tests using prey exposed to 112, 120, and 130% TDG, respectively. Only fish exposed to 130% TDG showed a significant increase in vulnerability to predation. The signs of GBT exhibited by fish sampled just prior to predator exposure were generally more severe in fish exposed to 130% TDG, which had the most extensive occlusion of the lateral line and gill filaments with gas emboli. Fish exposed to 112% TDG had the most severe signs of GBT in the fins. Our results suggest that fish showing GBT signs similar to those of our fish exposed to 130% TDG, regardless of their precise exposure history, may be more vulnerable to predation.

Effects of surgically and gastrically implanted radio transmitters on swimming performance and predator avoidance of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 781-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah S Adams ◽  
Dennis W Rondorf ◽  
Scott D Evans ◽  
Joseph E Kelly ◽  
Russell W Perry
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Smallmouth Bass ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Juvenile Chinook Salmon ◽  
Surgical Implants ◽  
Juvenile Chinook

Radiotelemetry data are often used to make inferences about an entire study population; therefore, the transmitter attachment method should be the one that least affects the study animal. Juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) <120 mm in fork length (FL) with either gastrically or surgically implanted transmitters had significantly lower critical swimming speeds than control fish 1 and 19-23 days after tagging. For fish >120 mm FL, fish with gastric implants swam as well as controls 1 day but not 19-23 days after tagging. In contrast, fish with surgical implants swam as well as controls 19-23 days but not 1 day after tagging. During predation trials, fish with gastric or surgical implants were eaten by smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in significantly greater numbers than controls. We do not recommend implanting transmitters (representing 4.6-10.4% of the fish's body weight) in fish <120 mm FL. Furthermore, surgical implants (representing 2.2-5.6% of the fish's body weight) may be the preferred method for biotelemetry studies of juvenile chinook salmon >120 mm FL.

Sperm traits in Chinook salmon depend upon activation medium: implications for studies of sperm competition in fishes

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (10) ◽  
pp. 920-927 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Rosengrave ◽  
R. Montgomerie ◽  
V. J. Metcalf ◽  
K. McBride ◽  
N. J. Gemmell
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Fresh Water ◽  
Swimming Speed ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Salt Water ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Ovarian Fluid ◽  
Sperm Swimming Speed ◽  
Sperm Traits

Sperm traits of externally fertilizing fish species are typically measured in fresh (or salt) water, even though the spawning environment of their ova contains ovarian fluid. In this study, we measured sperm traits of Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum in Artedi, 1792)) in both fresh water and dilute ovarian fluid at 10 and 20 s postactivation, using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Spermatozoa swam faster, and had both higher percent motility and a straighter path trajectory for a longer period of forward motility when activated in ovarian fluid compared with activation in fresh water. Comparing sperm activity of 10 males in water versus ovarian fluid, we found a weak but significant correlation for sperm swimming speed at 10 s postactivation (r = 0.34, p = 0.01), but not for any other sperm traits measured. Most important, across males, mean sperm swimming speed in water accounted for <10% of the observed variation in mean sperm swimming speed in ovarian fluid. Thus, we argue that sperm traits measured in fresh water are not particularly relevant to those same traits during normal spawning in this species. We suggest that sperm performance measured in fresh water should be used with caution when comparing the potential for individual males to fertilize ova, especially in studies of sperm competition in externally fertilizing species.

Vulnerability to predation and physiological stress responses in juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) experimentally infected with Renibacterium salmoninarum

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 1599-1606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew G Mesa ◽  
Thomas P Poe ◽  
Alec G Maule ◽  
Carl B Schreck
Keyword(s):  
Stress Responses ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Smallmouth Bass ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Infection Level ◽  
Renibacterium Salmoninarum ◽  
Juvenile Chinook Salmon ◽  
Juvenile Chinook

We experimentally infected juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) with Renibacterium salmoninarum (Rs), the causative agent of bacterial kidney disease (BKD), to examine the vulnerability to predation of fish with differing levels of Rs infection and assess physiological change during progression of the disease. Immersion challenges conducted during 1992 and 1994 produced fish with either a low to moderate (1992) or high (1994) infection level of Rs during the 14-week postchallenge rearing period. When equal numbers of treatment and unchallenged control fish were subjected to predation by either northern squawfish (Ptychocheilus oregonensis) or smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui), Rs-challenged fish were eaten in significantly greater numbers than controls by nearly two to one. In 1994, we also sampled fish every 2 weeks after the challenge to determine some stressful effects of Rs infection. During disease progression in fish, plasma cortisol and lactate increased significantly whereas glucose decreased significantly. Our results indicate the role that BKD may play in predator-prey interactions, thus ascribing some ecological significance to this disease beyond that of direct pathogen-related mortality. In addition, the physiological changes observed in our fish during the chronic progression of BKD indicate that this disease is stressful, particularly during the later stages.

Respiratory Response of Juvenile Chinook Salmon and Striped Bass Exposed to Benzene, a Water-Soluble Component of Crude Oil

1973 ◽  
Vol 1973 (1) ◽  
pp. 783-791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Brocksen ◽  
Howard T. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Crude Oil ◽  
Respiratory Rate ◽  
Striped Bass ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Juvenile Chinook Salmon ◽  
Juvenile Chinook

ABSTRACT Interest surrounding the potential effects of crude oil on aquatic organisms has increased in recent years due to the incidence of accidental oil spills. There are few experimental results reported, however, dealing with the effect on aquatic species of water-soluble aromatic hydrocarbons contained in crude oil. Such compounds are highly toxic to mammals. Experiments were conducted using juvenile chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, and striped bass, Morone saxatilis. The fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of the aromatic hydrocarbon benzene, for periods ranging from 1–96 hours. Prior to exposure, and after exposure to the benzene, respiration rates of individual fish were measured. Results show increases in respiratory rate up to 115 percent above that of control fish after exposure periods of 24 hours for striped bass and 48 hours for chinook salmon. Fish exposed to benzene concentrations of 10 ppm for periods longer than those listed exhibited a narcosis that caused a decrease in respiratory rate. The narcotic state induced by exposure to benzene was shown to be reversible when the fish were placed in fresh water and kept for periods longer than 6 days. Possible biochemical mechanisms leading to this response are hypothesized.

Migration and rearing histories of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) determined by ion microprobe Sr isotope and Sr/Ca transects of otoliths

2004 ◽  
Vol 61 (12) ◽  
pp. 2425-2439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles R Bacon ◽  
Peter K Weber ◽  
Kimberly A Larsen ◽  
Reginald Reisenbichler ◽  
John A Fitzpatrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fresh Water ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Salt Water ◽  
River Estuary ◽  
Seasonal Fluctuation ◽  
Isotopic Signature ◽  
Ion Microprobe ◽  
Skagit River

Strontium isotope and Sr/Ca ratios measured in situ by ion microprobe along radial transects of otoliths of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) vary between watersheds with contrasting geology. Otoliths from ocean-type chinook from Skagit River estuary, Washington, had prehatch regions with 87Sr/86Sr ratios of ~0.709, suggesting a maternally inherited marine signature, extensive fresh water growth zones with 87Sr/86Sr ratios similar to those of the Skagit River at ~0.705, and marine-like 87Sr/86Sr ratios near their edges. Otoliths from stream-type chinook from central Idaho had prehatch 87Sr/86Sr ratios ≥0.711, indicating that a maternal marine Sr isotopic signature is not preserved after the ~1000- to 1400-km migration from the Pacific Ocean. 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the outer portions of otoliths from these Idaho juveniles were similar to those of their respective streams (~0.708–0.722). For Skagit juveniles, fresh water growth was marked by small decreases in otolith Sr/Ca, with increases in Sr/Ca corresponding to increases in 87Sr/86Sr with migration into salt water. Otoliths of Idaho fish had Sr/Ca radial variation patterns that record seasonal fluctuation in ambient water Sr/Ca ratios. The ion microprobe's ability to measure both 87Sr/86Sr and Sr/Ca ratios of otoliths at high spatial resolution in situ provides a new tool for studies of fish rearing and migration.

Altered growth and related physiological responses in juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from dietary exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

2006 ◽  
Vol 63 (10) ◽  
pp. 2364-2376 ◽  
Author(s):  
J P Meador ◽  
F C Sommers ◽  
G M Ylitalo ◽  
C A Sloan
Keyword(s):  
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Fish ◽  
Small Fish ◽  
Juvenile Chinook Salmon ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Juvenile Chinook

A dietary feeding study with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was conducted with juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) to mimic exposure from urban estuaries during their transition from freshwater to seawater. A significant reduction in mean fish dry weight was observed only for the highest doses; however, analysis of variance (ANOVA) using standard deviations and examination of the cumulative frequency plots revealed high variability among all treatments. The skewed fish weight distribution revealed a large number of small fish in several treatments compared with control fish. Analyses of whole-body lipids and several parameters in blood plasma related to growth and metabolism indicated alterations for most treatments. These results and trends in growth, plasma chemistry, and lipids as a consequence of PAH exposure were similar to those in fish exhibiting starvation, which we have termed "toxicant-induced starvation". Based on these results, we conclude that PAHs are toxic to salmonids at this life stage and the reduction in biomass and lipid stores observed here would have the potential to cause increased mortality for individuals during their first winter.

scholarly journals Managed Wetlands Can Benefit Juvenile Chinook Salmon in a Tidal Marsh

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole M. Aha ◽  
Peter B. Moyle ◽  
Nann A. Fangue ◽  
Andrew L. Rypel ◽  
John R. Durand
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Nursery Habitat ◽  
San Francisco Estuary ◽  
Rice Fields ◽  
Fish Growth ◽  
Juvenile Chinook Salmon ◽  
Juvenile Chinook

AbstractLoss of estuarine and coastal habitats worldwide has reduced nursery habitat and function for diverse fishes, including juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Underutilized off-channel habitats such as flooded rice fields and managed ponds present opportunities for improving rearing conditions and increasing habitat diversity along migratory corridors. While experiments in rice fields have shown enhanced growth rates of juvenile fishes, managed ponds are less studied. To evaluate the potential of these ponds as a nursery habitat, juvenile Chinook salmon (~ 2.8 g, 63 mm FL) were reared in cages in four contrasting locations within Suisun Marsh, a large wetland in the San Francisco Estuary. The locations included a natural tidal slough, a leveed tidal slough, and the inlet and outlet of a tidally muted managed pond established for waterfowl hunting. Fish growth rates differed significantly among locations, with the fastest growth occurring near the outlet in the managed pond. High zooplankton biomass at the managed pond outlet was the best correlate of salmon growth. Water temperatures in the managed pond were also cooler and less variable compared to sloughs, reducing thermal stress. The stress of low dissolved oxygen concentrations within the managed pond was likely mediated by high concentrations of zooplankton and favorable temperatures. Our findings suggest that muted tidal habitats in the San Francisco Estuary and elsewhere could be managed to promote growth and survival of juvenile salmon and other native fishes.

A New Multilocus Probe for DNA Fingerprinting in Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and Comparisons with a Single-Locus Probe

1993 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 1559-1567 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. Stevens ◽  
R. E. Withler ◽  
S. H. Goh ◽  
T. D. Beacham
Keyword(s):  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Polymorphic Locus ◽  
Pedigree Analysis ◽  
Single Locus ◽  
Dna Fingerprint ◽  
Dna Fragments ◽  
Banding Patterns ◽  
Discriminatory Ability ◽  
Juvenile Chinook Salmon

A multilocus DNA probe, B2-2, isolated from chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and a single-locus Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) probe, 3.15.34, were examined for discriminatory ability among seven parents and 33–37 juveniles from five families of chinook salmon. DNA fingerprint patterns were observed in Hae III-digested chinook salmon DNA probed with B2-2. Between 8 and 20 fragments, from 2.20 kilobase pairs (kbp) to 19.0 kbp, were detected in each individual. The level of band sharing among unrelated parents was 0.18. Probe 3.15.34 hybridized with a total of nine DNA fragments, from 3.35 to 6.00 kbp, in the chinook salmon parents and progeny. One or two fragments were detected in each individual. Pedigree analysis confirmed that 3.15.34 detected both alleles of a single polymorphic locus whereas B2-2 detected autosomal, unlinked, predominantly heterozygous DNA fragments that were inherited in a Mendelian fashion at a minimum of 10 polymorphic loci. Among juvenile chinook salmon, levels of band sharing detected with probe B2-2 increased with increasing relatedness, and clustering based on differences in banding patterns distinguished unrelated progeny, half sibs, and full sibs even in the absence of parental genotypic data.

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