Asteriscus v. lapillus: comparing the chemistry of two otolith types and their ability to delineate riverine populations of common carp Cyprinus carpio

Abstract

The chemical composition of common carp Cyprinus carpio asteriscus (vaterite) and lapillus (aragonite) otoliths from the same individual and reflecting the same growth period was measured to (1) determine whether there are differences in the uptake of trace metals (Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ) and Sr isotope ratios ((87)Sr:(86)Sr) in co-precipitating lapilli and asterisci and (2) compare the ability of multi-element and isotopic signatures from lapilli, asterisci and both otolith types combined to discriminate C. carpio populations over a large spatial scale within a river basin. Depth profile analyses at the otolith edge using laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that asterisci were enriched in Mg and Mn and depleted in Sr and Ba relative to lapilli, whilst (87)Sr:(86)Sr values were nearly identical in both otolith types. Significant spatial differences among capture locations were found when all trace element and Sr isotope ratio data were aggregated into a multi-element and isotopic signature, regardless of which otolith type was used or if they were used in combination. Discriminatory power was enhanced, however, when data for both otolith types were combined, suggesting that analysis of multiple otolith types may be useful for studies attempting to delineate C. carpio populations at finer spatial or temporal scales.

Documenting utility of paddlefish otoliths for quantification of metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

“…For the majority of teleost fishes, otoliths are formed from the aragonite form of calcium carbonate . Vaterite inclusions in aragonite otoliths have been shown to impede the classification of past site history in anguillid eels, but otoliths composed entirely of vaterite proved useful for this purpose in common carp ( Cyrpinus carpio ) . Because of these issues, we chose to base this study on a relatively small sample size as a first attempt to use otoliths for this species to document this technique in identifying natal origins.…”

Individual-specific transgenerational marking of common carp Cyprinus carpio, L., using 86Sr/84Sr double spikes

“…In addition, the type of otolith used for such kind of analysis could influence the result because of its affinity to incorporate the spiked isotope. In carp, the lapillus exhibits an aragonitic structure, with a higher affinity for Sr (and also Ba) uptake than that of the asteriscus with an vateritic structure (Macdonald et al 2012). Grinded lapilli also showed clear growth increments around the core, allowing a better selection of the appropriate region for LA-MC-ICP-MS.…”

Nursery sources and cohort strength of young‐of‐the‐year common carp (Cyprinus carpio) under differing flow regimes in a regulated floodplain river

“…We analysed the lapillus otoliths of carp as they have been shown to be useful for spatial discrimination of riverine carp populations (Macdonald et al 2012;Crook et al in press) and, unlike the sagittae and asterisci, have daily increments that can be used to precisely sample specific regions of the otolith using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). Lapillae were dissected from each fish, cleaned of adhering tissue, rinsed several times in Milli-Q water (Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA) then stored in 0.5 ml polypropylene microtubes.…”