Responses of Atlantic salmon alevins to temperature gradients

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Peterson, R. H., Metcalfe, J. L.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1979
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z79-184; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z79-184

Newly hatched Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) alevins aggregated in the lowest temperature available in a temperature gradient, possibly because of lower levels of locomotor activity at lower temperatures. At approximately 250 degree-days after hatching, alevins demonstrated a temperature selection capability and no longer aggregated in the lowest temperature. Possible mechanisms underlying the observed distributional change in a temperature gradient are discussed.