The growth history of anadromous white-spotted charr in northern Japan: a comparison between river and sea life

Anadromous white-spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis in a natural river in northern Japan migrated to the sea mainly at age 3+ years. Sea-run charr grew faster than parr, particularly as first time migrants. Sea-run charr repeated seaward migration up to three times; the observed maximum age was 5+ years old. The likelihood ratio test identified significant differences in asymptotic size and individual growth variability between parr and sea-run charr. Sea-run charr had an asymptotic size (L-F) twice as large as parr, while the growth parameter (K) was similar between sea-run and parr. Growth variability was higher for parr than for sea-run charr. (C) 2001 The Fisheries Society or the British Isles.