Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential use of otolith microchemistry (Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios) to identify silver mullet, Mugil curema, populations in Southeastern Caribbean Sea. Fish samples were collected in 7 areas of Nueva Esparta State (Venezuela). The otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios and water Sr:Ca were determined (by ICP-OES and EDTA volumetric method). Otoliths Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios and Sr:Ca partition coefficient of mullets in Cubagua island (south of the State) were significantly different from ratios in La Guardia (north of the State). A discriminant analysis of otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios separated Cubagua Island from La Guardia values. These results suggest the existence of different mullet groups in the Southeastern Caribbean Sea. For this, the simultaneous use of Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios could be a potential tool to identify populations in the study area.

Details

Title
Is otolith microchemistry (Sr: Ca and Ba:Ca ratios) useful to identify Mugil curema populations in the southeastern Caribbean Sea?/A microquímica do otólito é um indicador do habitat de Mugil curema no sudeste do Mar Caribenho?
Author
Avigliano, E; Callicó-Fortunato, R; Buitrago, J; Volpedo, A V
Pages
45-51
Section
Original Article
Publication year
2015
Publication date
Nov 2015
Publisher
Instituto Internacional de Ecologia
ISSN
15196984
e-ISSN
16784375
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
1757013806
Copyright
Copyright Instituto Internacional de Ecologia Nov 2015