Effects of temperature, dissolved oxygen and substrate on the development of metabolic phenotypes in Lake Sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens
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Date
2017
Authors
Yoon, Gwangseok
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Abstract
Environment-phenotype interactions are significant particularly during early life history as they often dictate physiological performance, growth and ultimately ecological fitness of individuals. Temperature, dissolved oxygen and substrate are all important factors for developing metabolic phenotypes in fish. In this thesis, effects of temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and substrate on standard metabolic rate (SMR), forced maximum metabolic rate (FMR), metabolic scope (MS), energy density (ED), enzyme activity associated with ATP regeneration (pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase), condition factor (K), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and critical thermal maxima (CTmax) of developing age-0 Lake Sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, including a simulated overwintering event, were examined. This research revealed that temperature, dissolved oxygen and substrate all significantly influenced development of metabolic phenotypes in Lake Sturgeon. While reduced temperature significantly increased SMR, increased temperature substantially decreased the survival rate. Lower DO (80%) did not
impact FMR and MS in the short term, however, prolonged exposure to mild hypoxia,
particularly during the stressful condition of overwintering, significantly reduced FMR and MS. Inclusion of substrate was found to significantly enhance K and SMR, and it was suggested that substrate be used at the early yolk-sac stage to enhance growth and survival. Further, a strong linear relationship between dry to wet mass ratio and ED was found, which can be used practically to estimate energetic status of Lake Sturgeon. This research provides information regarding environment-phenotype interaction during the first year of life in Lake Sturgeon. This information will contribute to a better understanding of critical factors influencing the successful recruitment of populations that are endangered throughout most of their natural range.
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Keywords
Environment-phenotype interaction, Metabolic phenotype, Metabolism, Temperature, Hypoxia, Substrate, Overwintering, Lake Sturgeon, Metabolic rate, Energy density, Condition factor, Hepatosomatic index, Enzyme activity, Critical thermal maximum, Conservation aquaculture