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The effect of salinity on growth and weight loss of juvenile plaice (Pleuronectes platessa, L): An experimental test

Augley, Julian; Huxham, Mark; Fernandes, Teresa F.; Lyndon, Alastair R.

Authors

Julian Augley

Teresa F. Fernandes

Alastair R. Lyndon



Abstract

Previous population estimates of the 0+ plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) in the Firth of Forth, east central Scotland, did not take account of the Forth estuary west of the Forth bridges. Previous work found plaice in the estuary grew as fast as, or faster than, the outer firth plaice. It was hypothesised that salinity may affect growth rates of early 0+ plaice. This hypothesis was tested in a laboratory experiment, by exposing juvenile plaice to three different, but naturally — experienced by the juveniles, salinities; 25, 30 and 35. Plaice fed a minimum ration did not grow in length. Mean weight decreased at all three salinities, however, the lowest weight loss was found at the lowest salinity (25) and the highest weight loss was found at the highest salinity (35). The minimum feeding ration was halted and plaice were then fed ad libitum. Consumption rates were not significantly different during the ad libitum feeding, while significant differences in mean weight change were found between the highest and lowest salinities.

Citation

Augley, J., Huxham, M., Fernandes, T. F., & Lyndon, A. R. (2008). The effect of salinity on growth and weight loss of juvenile plaice (Pleuronectes platessa, L): An experimental test. Journal of Sea Research, 60(4), 292-296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2008.05.004

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 20, 2008
Online Publication Date Jun 16, 2008
Publication Date 2008-11
Deposit Date Nov 25, 2016
Journal Journal of Sea Research
Print ISSN 1385-1101
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 60
Issue 4
Pages 292-296
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2008.05.004
Keywords Flatfish; Growth; Salinity; Plaice; Firth of Forth Estuary; Aquatic Science; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Oceanography
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/439754