Identifying physiological and environmental influences on otolith chemistry in a coastal fishery species

Otolith (ear stone) chemistry provides powerful insights into the lives of fish. Although frequently used to reconstruct past environments, the influence of physiology remains unsettled. As such, we investigated the relationships between otolith chemistry, physiological factors and environmental factors in an iconic fishery species, snapper (Chrysophrys auratus). Lifetime otolith profiles were analysed of carbon (delta C-13) and oxygen (delta O-18) isotopes, and elemental concentrations of lithium (Li : Ca), magnesium (Mg : Ca), manganese (Mn : Ca), strontium (Sr : Ca), and barium (Ba : Ca). Mixed-effects modelling alongside a detailed literature review was used to investigate physiological (age, otolith growth rate, fish size, sex) and environmental influences (sea-surface temperature and chlorophyll-a) on otolith chemistry. Carbon isotopes and magnesium related to physiological factors, suggesting their potential as physiological proxies. Physiology also weakly related to strontium and lithium. By contrast, oxygen isotopes, barium, and manganese (except for natal signatures) were suggested to provide insights into past environments. Our study stresses the importance of consistency in biological characteristics for study designs, and highlights the potential of physiological proxies for distinguishing between populations in uniform water bodies. This study has not only reinforced our confidence in field applications of otolith chemistry, but has furthered our understanding of the influence of physiology.

Automated summary

Otolith chemistry provides insights into fish lives and past environments. Carbon isotopes and magnesium may serve as physiological proxies, while oxygen isotopes, barium, and manganese are suggested for insights into past environments.