Rearing conditions influence refuge use among over-wintering Atlantic salmon juveniles

• Published in: Journal of Fish Biology
• Main Authors: Griffiths, Sian Wyn, Armstrong, J. D.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Wiley 2002
• Subjects: Q Science (General); Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/62626/; https://doi.org/10.1006/jfbi.2001.1846

At low population densities, both hatchery- and wild-reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, which were progeny of a common genetic stock, occupied sub-gravel shelters alone. However, at high population densities, hatchery-reared fish occurred within shelters in significantly higher numbers than wild-reared fish. There was a significant effect of time after introduction to the experimental arenas on the proportion of hatchery-reared fish sheltering. These results show that rearing environment influences the behaviour of Atlantic salmon parr during winter and may also affect the carrying capacity of their environment.