Importance of estuarine nursery areas for the adult population of the temperate seabass Lateolabrax japonicus,as revealed by otolith Sr:Ca ratios

Otolith Sr:Ca ratios were used to evaluate the contribution of estuarine nursery areas to the temperate seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus) population in Tango Bay, the Sea of Japan. Otolith Sr:Ca ratios of juveniles collected from freshwater, brackish and coastal areas were analysed to determine a criterion for distinguishing whether individuals used estuarine or coastal areas as nurseries. Otolith Sr:Ca ratios of adult seabass collected around Tango Bay were also analysed to detect the records of salinity that juveniles experienced and to estimate the contribution of each habitat. Sr:Ca ratios of the edges of otoliths of juveniles from freshwater areas were 2.4 × 10^?3 in average, which were significantly lower than those of juveniles collected from a coastal area (4.9 × 10^?3 in average) owing to differences in salinity conditions among these areas. Based on the threshold criterion determined by this difference, 39 out of 107 (36%) adult seabass were estimated to have used the estuary as a nursery during their juvenile stage according to their Sr:Ca chronologies. Despite the small area covered by estuarine nurseries compared with coastal waters, the Yura River estuary contributed considerably to the adult seabass population. This indicates estuaries play an important role as nurseries for seabass juveniles, and it should be noted that the estuaries are important nurseries to conserve the stocks of coastal fishes.     

Utilization patterns of estuarine and marine habitats by the halfbeak Zenarchopterus dunckeri at Iriomote Island,southern Japan,evaluated from otolith microchemistry

Estuarine and marine habitat use patterns in the halfbeak Zenarchopterus dunckeri were examined at Iriomote Island, southern Japan, by analyzing otolith Li/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios. The ranges of both Li/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in juvenile Z. dunckeri from the maximum (30 psu) to minimum (0.5 psu) salinity levels of brackish water estimated from rearing experiments, were compared with those of wild individuals collected from upstream and downstream stations in the Urauchi River estuary. The majority of wild-caught individuals had invariable Li/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios along an otolith transect from the core to the posterior edge, which fell within the otolith Li/Ca and Sr/Ca ranges estimated for estuarine individuals in the rearing experiments, suggesting that such individuals developed within the estuary without migrating to a marine environment at any time, although some downstream-dwelling fish had higher otolith elemental ratios than the predetermined estuarine ranges in the mid transect section. The latter fish may have been accidentally flushed from the estuary into the sea by heavy flood events, subsequently returning to the estuary. The overall results suggested that Z. dunckeri is essentially an estuarine resident, completing its life cycle within an estuarine system.     

Effect of salinity on strontium:calcium ratios in the otoliths of Sakhalin taimen, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hucho perryi</Emphasis>

In order to determine the salinity effect on otolith strontium (Sr):calcium (Ca) ratios, the Sr and Ca contents of otoliths of Sakhalin taimen, Hucho perryi, reared for 60 days in four salinities (freshwater, one-third seawater, two-thirds seawater, and full seawater) were examined. The Ca and Sr contents and the resultant Sr:Ca ratios in the rearing water increased linearly with salinity. Otolith Sr:Ca ratios were also found to be positively correlated with salinity. However, the Sr:Ca did not correspond to temperature fluctuations during the experiment. These results indicate that Sr:Ca ratios in otoliths can be used to reconstruct the migratory history of the fish by differentiating when the fish migrated between freshwater and seawater.     

Modeled transport of winter flounder larvae spawned in coastal waters of the Gulf of Maine

Winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, from southern New England and the Gulf of Maine were historically considered to be obligate estuarine spawners. However, recent experiments and observations document that winter flounder in the Gulf of Maine also utilize coastal waters for spawning. An individual‐based modeling approach was used to investigate the transport of winter flounder larvae from three hypothesized coastal spawning grounds in the Gulf of Maine. Transport success rates were greatest for larvae released from Ipswich Bay, intermediate for Stellwagen Bank and least successful for those released from Jeffreys Ledge. There was substantial interannual variability in larval transport and geographic patterns of potential connectivity. Furthermore, the date of spawning had an important influence on transport success. Model results suggest that certain coastal spawning grounds used by winter flounder may serve as an important source of larvae to estuaries and nearshore nursery areas. The potential influx of coastal spawned larvae could have implications for the resilience, productivity and gene flow in local populations. Model results provide further support for the conclusion that winter flounder in the Gulf of Maine may not be solely dependent upon estuaries for spawning. Results also suggest that coastal spawning groups should be considered explicitly in the management of winter flounder, and protected under Essential Fish Habitat regulations.     

Coexistence of anadromous and lacustrine life histories of the shirauo, Salangichthys microdon

The environmental history of the shirauo, Salangichthys microdon, was examined in terms of strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) uptake in the otolith, by means of wavelength dispersive X‐ray spectrometry on an electron microprobe. Anadromous and lacustrine type of the shirauo were found to occur sympatric. Otolith Sr concentration or Sr : Ca ratios of anadromous shirauo fluctuated strongly along the life‐history transect in accordance with the migration (habitat) pattern from sea to freshwater. In contrast, the Sr concentration or the Sr : Ca ratios of lacustrine shirauo remained at consistently low levels throughout the otolith. The higher ratios in anadromous shirauo, in the otolith region from the core to 90–230 μm, corresponded to the initial sea‐going period, probably reflecting the ambient salinity or the seawater–freshwater gradient in Sr concentration. The findings clearly indicated that otolith Sr : Ca ratios reflected individual life histories, enabling these anadromous shirauo to be distinguished from lacustrine shirauo.     

An additional life-history tactic of masu salmon: Migration of parr to coastal habitats

Alternative life-history tactics of masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou are well documented. Subsequent to the freshwater parr stage (age ≥ 1 + years), an anadromous form migrates to the sea after smolting, while a resident form matures without seaward migration. In addition to this typical migratory dimorphism, anecdotal reports based on field observations have indicated that some underyearling masu salmon use estuarine waters. However, no empirical evidence indicates saltwater utilisation and subsequent survival in the early parr stage. Here, we used otolith microchemistry to examine whether a portion of masu salmon parr in northern Japan enters coastal habitats. The otolith Sr:Ca ratios of most juveniles collected from six rivers had consistently low values, indicating that masu salmon parr inhabiting these rivers stay only in freshwater. In contrast, in individuals from a steep-gradient river the Sr:Ca ratios increased at about a 200-µm distance from the otolith core. These results suggest that some masu salmon parr might use brackish water or sea water temporarily. In addition, three masu salmon parr were found in another steep river where a culvert located only ten metres from the river mouth completely blocked upstream migration for spawning. The Sr:Ca ratios in these fish increased at about >200 µm from the otolith core, indicating the parr had immigrated to the non-natal river from the sea. Such flexible behaviour at an early life stage may contribute to the spatial expansion of masu salmon, and the movement could moreover help to stabilise its population dynamics.     

Unravelling the complex habitat use of the white mullet,Mugil curema,in several coastal environments from Neotropical Pacific and Atlantic waters

1. The white mullet, Mugil curema, is a widely distributed euryhaline species, the migratory behaviour of which is poorly understood. The objective of this work was to study the large-scale habitat use of this species for the first time. Several environments were considered, such as euryhaline and hypersaline lagoons, the sea, and a river, distributed in the Central Pacific (Mexico) and Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea-Venezuela, and north-eastern Brazil).
2. Otolith core-to-edge Sr/Ca ratios of 163 fish, determined by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, were used to study the salinity-habitat migration history of the fish. Fish from Mexico (Tamiahua Lagoon, n = 4; Alvarado Lagoon, n = 2), Venezuela (n = 1), and Brazil (n = 12) (11.1% of the total) showed high Sr/Ca values at early life stages and were classified as marine estuarine opportunists. Two specimens (from Alvarado Lagoon and Balsas River, Mexico) showed Sr/Ca values consistently below the high salinity guide value (salinity < 33.5). For the rest of the fish (87.1%), the Sr/Ca ratio suggested a displacement from the estuary towards the sea or hypersaline environments, and so these fish were classified as estuarine migrants.
3. A change-point analysis identified six individuals with a single stable otolith Sr/Ca signature through ontogeny (three from Brazil, one from Venezuela, and two from Tamiahua Lagoon, Mexico), suggesting limited displacement between environments with different salinities. The rest of the individuals showed between two and 10 changes in stable Sr/Ca signatures (mean = 4.07 ± 1.85). The highest number of changes in Sr/Ca ratio (4.87 ± 1.1) was found in fish from Laguna Madre (Mexico) and the lowest was found in fish from Brazil (3.27 ± 1.70) (H = 19.8, p = 0.002).
4. Otolith Sr/Ca time series suggest that the migratory estuarine pattern is the most common throughout the study area. This work highlights that the sustainable use of M. curema depends on the conservation of estuaries and the corridors between them and other environments such as lagoons, rivers, mangroves and the sea.

     

A spatially explicit, individual-based model to assess the role of estuarine nurseries in the early life history of North Sea herring, Clupea harengus

Herring (Clupea harengus) enter and remain within North Sea estuaries during well‐defined periods of their early life history. The costs and benefits of the migrations between offshore spawning grounds and upper, low‐salinity zones of estuarine nurseries are identified using a dynamic state‐variable model, in which the fitness of an individual is maximized by selecting the most profitable habitat. Spatio‐temporal gradients in temperature, turbidity, food availability and predation risk simulate the environment. We modeled predation as a function of temperature, the optical properties of the ambient water, the time allocation of feeding and the abundance of whiting (Merlangius merlangus). Growth and metabolic costs were assessed using a bioenergetic model. Model runs using real input data for the Scheldt estuary (Belgium, The Netherlands) and the southern North Sea show that estuarine residence results in fitter individuals through a considerable increase in survival probability of age‐0 fish. Young herring pay for their migration into safer estuarine water by foregoing growth opportunities at sea. We suggest that temperature and, in particular, the time lag between estuarine and seawater temperatures, acts as a basic cue for herring to navigate in the heterogeneous space between the offshore spawning grounds at sea and the oligohaline nursery zone in estuaries.     

Occurrence of estuarine and sea eels <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla japonica</Emphasis> and a migrating silver eel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla anguilla</Emphasis> in the Tokyo Bay area,Japan

Otolith microchemical analyses of the strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) concentrations in the eels Anguilla japonica and A. anguilla caught in Tokyo Bay were undertaken to reconstruct the eels’ migratory histories. A. japonica in the yellow stage (immature stage) were caught in a bay without any adjacent rivers or streams. A. anguilla was in the silver stage (early maturing stage), and the eel was confirmed to have just begun spawning migration to the open ocean from Tokyo Bay based on the otolith Sr:Ca ratios, which showed a typical catadromous life history with low Sr:Ca ratio values throughout the eel’s life after recruitment. The mean Sr:Ca ratios in A. japonica from the elver mark to the otolith edge indicated the eels belonged to several general categories of migratory histories, including sea eels (average Sr:Ca ratio ≥6.0 × 10⁻³) and estuarine eels (average Sr:Ca ratio 2.5 to 6.0 × 10⁻³) based on the criteria reported previously in A. japonica. All eels had a certain freshwater life period, although the period was highly variable among fish. These results indicate that A. japonica has a flexible pattern of migration, with the ability to adapt to various habitats and salinities.     

基于耳石微化学的黄河垦利段刀鲚生活史初步研究

为研究黄河刀鲚(Coilia nasus)生境履历特征,利用电子探针微区分析技术(EPMA)对采集自黄河垦利段5尾刀鲚个体(D1、D2、D4、D5和D6)的矢耳石进行微化学特征研究。定量线分析结果显示,黄河口刀鲚生境履历较为复杂,所有个体核心区Sr/Ca值较低,表明其淡水孵化特征,但随着个体生长表现出不同的生活履历。个体D2生活史较复杂,其生长轨迹多次往返于淡水—半咸水生境,不具备洄游型刀鲚应有的规律性特征;个体D1、D4、D5和D6具有明显的洄游特征,不同的是个体D1和D4的Sr/Ca最大值分别为6.1和6.2,D5、D6生境已延伸至Sr/Ca值较高的区域,最大值分别达到8.44、8.63,但是由于调水、调沙对黄河口盐度变化影响较大,尚不能判断D5、D6个体生境已延伸至海水区域。分析的结果显示了同样的特征,个体D1、D4核心区表现为蓝色,外缘区域表现为蓝绿色;个体D2核心区表现为蓝色、绿色、黄色交替出现,个体D5、D6核心区域表现为Sr值较低的蓝色区域,随着生长耳石外围逐渐形成较为明显的黄色圆环。基于以上结果,本研究重新建立了黄河口刀鲚的生境履历,多数个体孵化和早期的生活主要在淡水生境完成,之后进入盐度较高的区域,往返于半咸水—海水生境中进行索饵、育肥,直至被捕获。以个体D2为代表的群体生活史较为复杂,推测可能是由于当年山东东平湖汛期放水而被动进入黄河的定居型刀鲚。     

Colonisation tactics of three temperate catadromous species,eel Anguilla anguilla,mullet Liza ramada and flounder Plathychtys flesus,revealed by Bayesian multielemental otolith microchemistry approach

Daverat F, Martin J, Fablet R, Pécheyran C. Colonisation tactics of three temperate catadromous species, eel Anguilla anguilla, mullet Liza ramada and flounder Plathychtys flesus, revealed by Bayesian multielemental otolith microchemistry approach.
Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2011: 20: 42–51. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – The colonisation of Gironde (SW France) river catchment by juvenile, eel, Anguilla anguilla, flounder Platychtys flesus and thinlipp mullet Liza ramada was investigated comparatively using Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca composition of otolith. The relation between Sr, Ba and habitat was investigated based on Sr and Ba water composition sampled each month along the estuary‐river gradient. A total of 50 mullets, 30 eels and 47 flounders were collected in the Gironde river catchment. Analysis was performed with a Femtosecond LA‐ICPMS along a trajectory from the core to the edge. Sr and Ba water concentrations discriminated three habitats within the Gironde system, the lower estuary, the upper estuary and the freshwater sites. A signal processing method based on Gaussian hidden Markov models was applied to the multielemental life‐history data. The linear model used to allocate a Gironde habitat to coupled Sr, Ca values was parameterised with seasonal patterns and magnitude of Sr and Ba water values in the different habitats. The results showed that the three species used three different habitats and they had a large diversity of habitat use patterns with resident and nomadic tactics. Resident tactics were less frequent than nomadic tactics that suggested individual fish used two or more habitats. Mullet used a wider range of habitats in the lower part of the estuary than eel and flounder and switched habitats more frequently. Flounders tended to colonise initially freshwater, and then estuarine habitats later in life while mullets used the entire range of available catchment habitats throughout their life.     

Assessing the usefulness of otolith elemental compositions for evaluating the population structure of the Pacific herring <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clupea pallasii</Emphasis> in northern Japan

The present study examined whether the elemental compositions of whole otoliths and chronological transect profiles of otoliths covering the complete life history are useful for evaluating the population structure of Pacific herring. Eight elemental ratios, Li:Ca, Na:Ca, Mg:Ca, K:Ca, Mn:Ca, Cu:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Ba:Ca, were measured in whole otoliths and in a series of ablations across the life-history transects by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We studied fish from three sample groups collected from Lake Obuchinuma, Miyako Bay, and Akkeshi Bay of northern Japan from March to May 2008. Significant differences were found in the Na:Ca, Mg:Ca, P:Ca, K:Ca, Mn:Ca, and Ba:Ca ratios of the whole otoliths and in the Li:Ca, Na:Ca, K:Ca, Mn:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Ba:Ca ratios of the otolith core among the three sample groups. Therefore, the present study showed clear differences in elemental composition among the three sample groups from different locations, suggesting that otolith elemental compositions reflect the habitats experienced by individual fish.     

Ontogenetic habitat shift of age-0 Japanese flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis> on the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan: differences in timing of the shift among areas and potential effects on recruitment success

Ontogenetic habitat shift and feeding habits in the shallow (< 15 m) and deep (30–80 m) habitats of age-0 Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in Sendai Bay, the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan, were examined to understand the mechanisms that potentially enable area-specific high recruitment success. The flounder was able to use the shallow nursery habitat for about 1 year, until the next summer of their settlement (June–August) when they had reached 250 mm total length (TL). In addition, age-0 flounder between 150 and 250 mm TL used both shallow and deep habitats from winter to the next summer of their settlement, where species, size, and availability of potential food and susceptibility to predators are considerably different. These area-specific characteristics in Sendai Bay are clearly different from other areas around Japan that have been described in the literature: shorter residence in the shallow habitat and smaller size at emigration to the deep habitat. The characteristics in Sendai Bay seem to be enabled by prolonged good feeding conditions in the shallow habitat, which result from an abundant food supply and relatively lower temperature that does not exceed the uppermost temperature (25 °C) for maximum growth of the age-0 flounder. We consider that the prolonged better feeding conditions in the shallow habitat in the study area for ca. 1 year after settlement contribute to higher recruitment success.     

Ocean transport paths for the early life history stages of offshore-spawning flatfishes: a case study in the Gulf of Alaska

Offshore‐ and deepwater‐spawning flatfish species face the problem of transport of their planktonic stages to shallow juvenile nursery grounds that are often far shoreward in bays or estuaries. We compare life history attributes of four offshore‐spawning flatfish species in the Gulf of Alaska: Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), arrowtooth flounder (Atheresthes stomias), rex sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus) and Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus) to examine how their larvae get from a spawning location at the edge or beyond the continental shelf to specific inshore nursery zones. We utilize historical records of survey catches of different life stages to characterize the stage‐specific changes in distribution of spawning, planktonic stages and juvenile nursery areas. We infer transport mechanisms based on the shifts in distribution of the life stages and in comparison with local physical oceanography. This comparison provides insight into the different mechanisms marine species may use to solve the common ‘problem’ of planktonic drift and juvenile settlement.     

Growth and habitat of spotted halibut Verasper variegatus in the shallow coastal nursery area, Shimabara Peninsula in Ariake Bay, Japan

ABSTRACT:   To determine the growth performances and habitat characteristics of spotted halibut Verasper variegatus , successive samplings were conducted in the south-eastern coastal area of Shimabara Peninsula in Ariake Bay. The push-net samplings were performed at Kamaga beach from May 2003 to April 2004 to determine the horizontal distribution of larvae and juveniles, while the gill net samplings were done in the coastal waters of Tatsuishi beach from July 2003 to July 2004 to collect the larger juveniles and adults. A total of 478 individuals from metamorphosing larvae to 2-year-old fish (15.2–447.0 mm total length [TL]) were sampled. In particular, the 2003-year class fish were successively collected from May 2003 to June 2004 (15.2–350.0 mm TL; n  = 418) and the mean total length in March, June, September, December 2003 and May 2004 was 22.4, 82.5, 172.5, 203.9 and 296.4 mm, respectively. The present study found that metamorphosing larvae migrated into the estuarine tidal flats during March 2003; newly settled juveniles inhabited the shallow intertidal areas; and juveniles had a remarkably high growth in shallow coastal areas. It is suggested that young fish around 300 mm TL migrated from the nursery grounds in Ariake Bay to deeper waters around Tachibana Bay during May–June 2004.     

Otolith chemistry does not just reflect environmental conditions: A meta‐analytic evaluation

Fish otoliths are widely used to answer biological and ecological questions related to movements and habitat use based on their chemical composition. Two fundamental assumptions underlie otoliths as environmental tracers and proxies for reconstructing exposure histories: (i) otolith chemistry reflects water chemistry, and (ii) ambient environmental conditions affect otolith element incorporation. Here, we test these assumptions for Sr and Ba through meta‐analyses. Our first meta‐analysis confirmed a correlation between concentrations of Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca in otoliths and the surrounding water, both elements displaying positive otolith–water correlations. The second meta‐analysis examined the relative influences of salinity and temperature on otolith Sr and Ba partition coefficients (an index of otolith element regulation). Our environmental effects meta‐analysis confirmed that otolith Sr and Ba are affected by temperature and salinity; however, study‐level covariates (e.g., water chemical concentrations and species ecological niche) influenced otolith element incorporation, and this varied by element. These findings confirm that even though otolith chemistry and elemental incorporation are differentially affected by environmental conditions, other factors play a decisive role. While we focused on studies that directly linked water and otolith chemistry, systematic reviews are key to further demonstrate the link between otolith chemistry and extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Ultimately, disentangling the relative effects of multiple factors on otolith chemistry and a detailed understanding of biomineralization is critical to the continued use of otoliths as natural tags for tracing fish movements and habitat use.     

Partial migration of juvenile temperate seabass <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lateolabrax japonicus</Emphasis>: a versatile survival strategy

Partial migration describes intrapopulation variation in the migratory behavior, i.e. some individuals from a population migrate to low-salinity river areas, while others remain in coastal areas. This paper reviews the partial migration pattern of juvenile temperate seabass Lateolabrax japonicus, which is a migration pattern not commonly seen in Japan. Seabass spawn offshore, and eggs and larvae are transported to coastal areas. Some of these juveniles then ascend rivers, while others remain in coastal areas. Juveniles efficiently use physical structures in their habitat; they use tidal currents to ascend rivers in macrotidal estuaries, while they use the salt wedge in microtidal estuaries. Once juveniles ascend the river, they can feed on the abundant prey and attain more rapid growth than those remaining in coastal areas. As estuaries are highly productive areas, they play significant roles as nurseries for juveniles of various fishes. However, compared with coastal areas, the relative area of estuaries is considerably smaller and its environmental conditions are more variable. For example, nearly 40% of adult seabass in Tango Bay were estimated to use estuarine areas as a nursery, while the other 60% use coastal areas during their juvenile stage. Using both estuaries and coastal areas through partial migration during the juvenile stage is concluded to contribute to the stabilization and yield of seabass populations.     

Habitat utilization,feeding, and growth of wild spotted halibut <Emphasis Type="Italic">Verasper variegatus</Emphasis> in a shallow brackish lagoon: Matsukawa-ura,northeastern Japan

Habitat utilization, feeding, and growth of a rare pleuronectid flatfish, spotted halibut Verasper variegatus, were examined in a brackish lagoon in northeastern Japan: Matsukawa-ura. The distribution and date–length data of spotted halibut collected mainly from beam-trawl samplings during 1983–2008 indicated that age-0 juveniles [n = 25, 6.0–18.0 cm total length (TL)] and older spotted halibut (n = 71, 13.8–43.0 cm TL) inhabited almost the entire northern part of Matsukawa-ura. Comparative distribution surveys of spotted halibut, stone flounder, and marbled flounder during 1985–1989 revealed similar distribution patterns of these flatfishes; the highest densities were found around the central part of Matsukawa-ura, although significantly lower abundance was detected for spotted halibut. Linear growth equations of age-0 juveniles demonstrated that spotted halibut were able to achieve high growth after June, probably because abundant prey (e.g., mysids and gammarids) and suitable physical conditions (warmer water temperature and lower salinity) were present. The main prey items shifted from various crustaceans including mysids, caridean shrimps, and anomurans to brachyura Hemigrapsus spp. (≥20 cm TL). Our study shows that spotted halibut use the shallow brackish lagoon as an important nursery for juveniles, and also as a feeding ground for young and adults.     

长江口及邻近海域凤鲚生境履历重建

利用 X-射线电子探针微区技术(EPMA)对长江口崇明和邻近吕四凤鲚(Coilia mystus)耳石 Sr 和 Ca 的微化学进行了分析。定量线分析和 Sr 含量面分布图谱显示,凤鲚耳石核区的 Sr/Ca 比值存在 Sr/Ca<3、37 这 3 种类型,分别对应的耳石核心面分布同心环区域颜色为蓝色、绿色和黄-红色,据此推断长江口及邻近海域凤鲚孵化场存在 3 种,即淡水孵化场、河口半咸水孵化场及海水孵化场。凤鲚个体耳石从核心到边缘的 Sr/Ca比值变化波动极为显著,有对应淡水生活的低值阶段(Sr/Ca<3,最小为 2.04±0.87),也有对应海水生活的高值阶段(Sr/Ca >7,最大为 7.81±0.91),可将凤鲚的生境履历类型分为 4 种类型:淡水河口半咸水型、河口半咸水定居型、河口半咸水海水型和淡水河口半咸水海水型。长江口邻近海域吕四凤鲚有淡水和河口半咸水孵化个体,其生境履历类型包括淡水河口半咸水型、河口半咸水海水型和淡水河口半咸水海水型,而长江口崇明岛海域有海水及河口半咸水孵化个体,其生境履历类型包括淡水河口半咸水型、河口定居型及淡水河口半咸水海水型,这反映了长江口崇明岛及邻近海域吕四 2 个海域凤鲚个体间的共性以及差异性。通过本次研究,首次证明了长江口及邻近海域凤鲚存在 3 种孵化场及 4 种生境履历类型,准确反映了凤鲚个体组成及其生活史的多样性和复杂性。