Scholarlink

<p>The Antarctic silverfish (<i>Pleuragramma antarcticum</i>) is a key species in the Southern Ocean ecosystem, playing a crucial role in energy transfer between lower and higher trophic levels. Its early life stages are potentially threatened by climate change, and therefore, assessing natal origins and larval connectivity can be crucial for planning management strategies for this species. However, studies investigating population structure and connectivity are still extremely limited. Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, we examined the chemical composition of 172 otoliths from larvae collected in 20 stations in the coastal waters of Terra Nova Bay and Bay of Whales (Ross Sea, Antarctica). We analysed the otolith core and edge to reconstruct environmental exposure during early development and later larval stages. Elemental signatures in the otolith cores revealed the presence of 22 clusters (probably suggestive of natal origins): eight exclusive to the Bay of Whales, three of Terra Nova Bay, and eleven shared between the areas. The age composition of shared clusters revealed spatial differences in hatching patterns, pointing to variable retention dynamics between areas. These findings suggest multiple, coexisting natal origins of <i>P. antarcticum</i> across the Ross Sea, further supporting the role of Bay of Whales as a spawning/hatching ground. By identifying both unique and shared chemical signatures and linking them to larval age structure, this study advances our understanding of larval dispersal and connectivity in this key species. These insights are essential for informing future biodiversity monitoring efforts and supporting conservation strategies under environmental change.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Heterogeneity in otolith microchemistry composition suggests multiple natal origins of Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarcticum) in the Ross Sea

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月28日

查看全文
  • Stefania Russo,
  • Fortunata Donato,
  • Giorgia Di Fusco,
  • Antonio Pennetta,
  • Federico Calì,
  • Emilio Riginella,
  • Chiara Papetti,
  • Antonio Calò,
  • Mario La Mesa,
  • Antonio Di Franco

摘要

The Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarcticum) is a key species in the Southern Ocean ecosystem, playing a crucial role in energy transfer between lower and higher trophic levels. Its early life stages are potentially threatened by climate change, and therefore, assessing natal origins and larval connectivity can be crucial for planning management strategies for this species. However, studies investigating population structure and connectivity are still extremely limited. Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, we examined the chemical composition of 172 otoliths from larvae collected in 20 stations in the coastal waters of Terra Nova Bay and Bay of Whales (Ross Sea, Antarctica). We analysed the otolith core and edge to reconstruct environmental exposure during early development and later larval stages. Elemental signatures in the otolith cores revealed the presence of 22 clusters (probably suggestive of natal origins): eight exclusive to the Bay of Whales, three of Terra Nova Bay, and eleven shared between the areas. The age composition of shared clusters revealed spatial differences in hatching patterns, pointing to variable retention dynamics between areas. These findings suggest multiple, coexisting natal origins of P. antarcticum across the Ross Sea, further supporting the role of Bay of Whales as a spawning/hatching ground. By identifying both unique and shared chemical signatures and linking them to larval age structure, this study advances our understanding of larval dispersal and connectivity in this key species. These insights are essential for informing future biodiversity monitoring efforts and supporting conservation strategies under environmental change.