Maternal transference of isotopic signature (δ15N, δ13C) and Its evolution during ontogenic development of reared bluefin larvae (Thunnus thynnus)
Authors
Uriarte-Ramalho, A. (Amaya); García-García, A. (Alberto); Ortega-García, A. (Aurelio); de-la-Gándara, F. (Fernando); Laiz-Carrión, R. (Raúl)Date
2014-09-02Type
posterKeywords
bluefin larvae, trophic ecology, stable isotopes, maternal transferenceAbstract
An experimental rearing experiment of bluefin tuna larvae was undertaken in the Spanish
Oceanographic Institution (IEO) based in the aquaculture plant of Murcia that started June 24,
2013 when caged bluefin spawned naturally. Bluefin tuna eggs were transferred to rearing tanks
and where hatched larvae were sampled regularly every 2 days till 15dph. After this period,
larvae were sampled every 3 days till 37dph (Temperature range 22-26ºC). The standard length
(SL) of larvae were measured after frozen and conserved deep-frozen in a -80ºC for
undertaking posterior nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) stable isotope analysis. The results of the
experiment showed very high initial values of δ15N and δ13C in the eggs and lecitotrophic larvae
till 4dph, explaining a transgenerational transference of the heavy isotopes through maternal
inheritance. After this time lapse, the stable isotope values declined progressively till 12dph and
maintained this low level till 15dph. This period coincides ...
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