Migratory history of the giant mottled eel (Anguilla marmorata) in the Bonin Islands of Japan

• Published in: Ecology of freshwater fish Vol. 19; no. 1; pp. 19 - 25
• Main Authors: Chino, N, Arai, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-03-2010; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Anguilla marmorata; Brackish; Freshwater; habitat use; Marine; migration; otolith Sr:Ca ratio; tropical eel; Japan, Bonin I; INW, Japan
• ISSN: 0906-6691; 1600-0633
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0633.2009.00385.x

Chino N, Arai T. Migratory history of the giant mottled eel (Anguilla marmorata) in the Bonin Islands of Japan. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 19-25. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S In order to elucidate the migratory history and habitat use of the giant mottled eel Anguilla marmorata, in the Bonin Islands of Japan, strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) concentrations in otoliths were examined by X-ray electron microprobe analysis. The X-ray intensity map and line analyses showed three fluctuation patterns: (i) freshwater residence, (ii) continuous residence in brackish water, and (iii) residence in freshwater after recruitment, while returning to brackish water. Based on these results and previous studies, the migratory behaviours of A. marmorata appear to differ in each habitat in response to inter- and intra-specific competition. The results suggest that A. marmorata has a flexible pattern of migration, with an ability to adapt to various habitats and salinities.