Changes in Elemental Composition of Hatchery-Reared Rainbow Trout,Salmo gairdneri, Associated with Growth and Reproduction

Abstract

By examining a group of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) over their life cycle (ova to 1500 g), 1 found that their elemental composition was determined by fish size, stage of life cycle (prefeeding, juvenile, post-juvenile), and reproductive state. Fish were fed practical diets and were reared under hatchery conditions. Whole body elemental concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr, and Zn were size dependent prior to sexual maturity. Rates of elemental accumulation in relation to weight gain were higher in juveniles than in adult fish. Reduced somatic concentrations of Mn, Fe, and Zn were observed during gonad maturation in female but not in male trout. Tissue concentrations of some elements remained constant over the duration of the study, while others increased or decreased linearly with increasing fish size. Tables and equations 1 present will enable the normal tissue and whole body elemental composition of rainbow trout at any size to be determined. My results indicate that body burden or wet weight concentration are better indicators of elemental status than dry weight concentration and that comparison of elemental levels between treatment groups in dietary experiments should be made on the basis of a standard-sized fish or by comparing the rates of elemental deposition with growth.