Genetic Differences in the Early Development and Growth of Sympatric Sockeye Salmon and Kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka), and their Hybrids

Abstract

Anadromous (sockeye salmon) and nonanadromous (kokanee) Oncorhynchus nerka spawn sympatrically yet appear genetically distinct in a number of rivers in British Columbia. To investigate whether genetic differences are maintained by selection against -hybrid" progeny, we raised pure and reciprocal crosses of Shuswap River sockeye and kokanee under controlled hatchery conditions. Sockeye eggs were larger and survived slightly better than kokanee eggs, regardless of male type, both to the eyed egg stage and as young fry. We observed no differences in survival among cross types during the remainder of the 460 d study. Rate of yolk absorption was similar in pure sockeye and pure kokanee alevins, but significantly faster in alevins sired by sockeye than those sired by kokanee. This indicates a male genetic effect which compensates for the difference in egg size. Hybrid alevins developed differently because egg size is mismatched with the male genotype. Growth rates of fry were significantly more variable within pure kokanee families than within pure sockeye families Hybrid crosses survived as well as pure crosses under the study conditions. However, any progeny resulting from hybrid crosses in nature may sustain higher mortality than those from pure crosses.