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The seasonal changes in somatic energy content of Gulf of Alaska yellowfin sole, Pleuronectes asper
Author(s) -
Paul A. J.,
Paul J. M.,
Smith R. L.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1993.tb00416.x
Subject(s) - biology , pleuronectes , overwintering , zoology , body weight , dry weight , water content , fish <actinopterygii> , ecology , fishery , endocrinology , botany , geotechnical engineering , engineering
Seasonal measurement of body energy content was made for Pleuronectes asper (Pallas, 1814) from the Gulf of Alaska. Whole body energy content of complete fish (∼ 3472 J g −1 wet wt) was minimal in May for females as their overwintering phase ended, then increased to ∼ 4456 J g −1 prior to spawning. The ovarian index [(g.w./t.w.) × 100] and energy content of ovaries (J g −1 ) was highest in June and May respectively, and then declined markedly by August as spawning occurred. Throughout the year male whole body energy content of complete fish ranged from 3351 to 4590 J g −1 with the lowest values in May and highest values occurring during June to September, the feeding season. The testes index [(g.w./t.w.) × 100] and total energy content of testes (J g −1 ) were high in March and lowest during June and July. On a weight‐specific basis, males and females had similar whole body energy values throughout the year. Juveniles followed the same seasonal trends in energy storage as adults and had similar whole body energy values. Whole body energy content was linearly related to wet and dry weight condition factor with r 2 values of 0.70 and 0.87, respectively. Dry body weight as percent of wet body weight was the best predictor of body energy ( r 2 =0.91). Yellowfin sole had an annual energy cycle with energy accumulation and growth from May to September. Thereafter they utilized stored energy for metabolic and reproductive needs. Spawning began in late May or early June and fish were spent by August. Whole body energy content increased by 28, 33 and 35% between May and June, for females, juveniles, and males, respectively, the most dramatic change during the year long survey. This suggests that intense feeding in May must be an important aspect of their energy storage cycle.