Combined effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on otolith chemistry: implications for environmental reconstructions

Otolith chemistry is widely used to understand patterns of fish movement and habitat use, with significant progress made in understanding the influence of environmental factors on otolith elemental uptake. However, few studies consider the interactive effect that environmental and genetic influences have on otolith chemistry. This study assessed the influence of salinity, temperature, and genetics on the incorporation of three key elements (strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and magnesium (Mg)) into the otoliths of two discrete stocks of mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) fingerlings reared in captivity. Elemental analysis via laser ablation inductively coupled – plasma mass spectrometry found that stock (genetics) had a significant interactive effect on otolith Sr:Ca (salinity × temperature × stock) and Ba:Ca (salinity × stock), but did not affect Mg:Ca incorporation. Mg:Ca showed a positive relationship with temperature for both stocks. The incorporation of some elements into the otoliths of fish is the result of complex interactions between extrinsic and intrinsic factors. These findings highlight the necessity to also consider stock along with environmental variables when using trace elemental signatures to reconstruct the environmental histories of fish.