Isotopic discrimination factors and nitrogen turnover rates in reared Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae (Thunnus thynnus): effects of maternal transmission

Authors

  • Amaya Uriarte Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga
  • Alberto García Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga
  • Aurelio Ortega Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia
  • Fernando de la Gándara Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia
  • José Quintanilla Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga
  • Raúl Laiz-Carrión Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.04435.25A

Keywords:

bluefin tuna larvae, stable isotopes, maternal transmission, discrimination factors, nitrogen turnover ratio

Abstract


The use of stable isotope analysis to study animal diets requires estimates of isotopic turnover rates (half time, t50) and discrimination factors (Δ) for an accurate interpretation of trophic patterns. The stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen were analysed for eggs and reared larvae of Thunnus thynnus, as well as for the different diets supplied during the experiment. The results showed high values of δ15N in eggs and larvae (n=646) until 4 DAH. After this time lapse, the stable isotope values declined progressively until 12 DAH, when notochord flexion began. The δ13C showed an inverse trend, suggesting that maternal inheritance of the stable isotopes is evident until pre-flexion stages. This study proposes a model for estimating maternal isotopic signatures of bluefin broodstock. After notochord flexion, larvae were fed with aquaculture-bred gilthead seabream, which resulted in a rapid increase of bluefin larvae δ15N values together with a rapid decrease in δ13C values. The estimated nitrogen half-time to reach the steady state from the diet was 2.5±0.3 days and the discrimination factor was 0.4±0.3(‰). These results represent the first data set that has allowed isotopic nitrogen turnover rates and discrimination factors of the larval stages of bluefin tuna to be estimated.

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References

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Published

2016-12-30

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Uriarte A, García A, Ortega A, de la Gándara F, Quintanilla J, Laiz-Carrión R. Isotopic discrimination factors and nitrogen turnover rates in reared Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae (Thunnus thynnus): effects of maternal transmission. Sci. mar. [Internet]. 2016Dec.30 [cited 2024Mar.28];80(4):447-56. Available from: https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/1681

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