Influence of photoperiod and temperature on timing of sexual maturity of pink salmon ( Oncorhynchus gorbuscha )

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Beacham, Terry D., Murray, Clyde B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1988
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Oncorhynchus gorbuscha; Pink salmon
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z88-249; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z88-249

The effect of two photoperiods and rearing at 10, 13, and 16 °C on the development of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) maturity 12 to 13 months after fry emergence was examined. Highest rates of maturity for both males and females were observed in the 10 °C temperature regime with a normal first summer, short winter, and short second summer photoperiod. In any environment examined, males were more likely to have matured than females. Highest survival rates and fastest overall growth rates were also observed at 10 °C. The feasibility of transplanting genes from one pink salmon brood line to another is examined.