The effects of lakes on growth in yearling brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)

Abstract– Data from the Swedish Electrofishing Register were used to study the effects of lakes on the growth of yearling (0+) brown trout in outlet streams. It was found that growth increased close to lakes. On average, the length of the longest yearlings was 10% greater 0-100 m downstream from lakes as compared with more than 1 km downstream. Growth enhancement was most pronounced downstream from large lakes. This was exemplified with maximum yearling lengths in September in inlet streams (maximum yearlings 50-100 mm) and outlet streams (65-130 mm) of Lake Stora Le (area 200 km²), and inlet streams (50-75 mm) and outlet streams (65-95 mm) of Lake Anten (area 18 km²). It is suggested that this is a combined effect of both increased water temperature and outflow of lake seston. The growth pattern found was not correlated to population abundance or to the abundance of competitors or predators.     

Failure of predator conditioning: an experimental study of predator avoidance in brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Many studies have documented that hatchery‐reared salmonids generally have inferior survival after being stocked compared with wild conspecifics, hatchery and wild salmonids have been observed to differ in their antipredator responses. The response of brown trout (Salmo trutta) juveniles (0+) of differing backgrounds to a live predator was compared in two experiments. First, the antipredator behaviour of predator‐naïve hatchery‐reared brown trout and wild‐exposed brown trout were assessed in behavioural trials which lasted for eight days. Second, predator‐naïve and predator‐conditioned hatchery‐reared brown trout were assessed in identical behavioural trials. Brown trout were ‘predator‐conditioned’ by being held in a stream‐water aquarium with adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and adult brown trout for two days prior to behavioural trials. Predator‐conditioned hatchery‐reared brown trout spent more time in shelters in the trial aquaria than predator‐naïve hatchery‐reared fish, but did not differ in time spent in the predator‐free area. Predator conditioning may account for the increased time spent in the shelter, but does not appear to have affected time spent in the predator‐free area. However, even if significant alteration in behaviour can be noted in the laboratory, the response might not be appropriate in the wild.     

Growth and feeding responses of a hatchery population of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) at low temperatures

Abstract— Feed intake, specific growth rate and changes in body composition were studied in age 1+ (140-190 g) brown trout ( Salmo trutta L.) reared at three temperatures (2, 4 and 6°C) under continuous light conditions. Feed in take increased from 35.7 kJ-kg⁻¹.day⁻¹ at 2°C to 95.7 kJ-kg⁻¹-day⁻¹ at 6°C, and the growth rate increased from 0.19%-day⁻¹ to 0.42%-day⁻¹ over the same temperature range. The estimated lower temperature limits for feeding and growth were slightly above 0°C. For all groups of fish, the majority (about 75%) of the weight gain comprised water and protein, but lipid deposition tended to increase with increasing temperature. The deposition of lipid accounted for about 50% of the body energy gain at all temperatures.     

Alternative routes to piscivory: Contrasting growth trajectories in brown trout (Salmo trutta) ecotypes exhibiting contrasting life history strategies

Large and long‐lived piscivorous brown trout, Salmo trutta, colloquially known as ferox trout, have been described from a number of oligotrophic lakes in Britain and Ireland. The “ferox” life history strategy is associated with accelerated growth following an ontogenetic switch to piscivory and extended longevity (up to 23 years in the UK). Thus, ferox trout often reach much larger sizes and older ages than sympatric lacustrine invertebrate‐feeding trout. Conventional models suggest that S. trutta adopting this life history strategy grow slowly before a size threshold is reached, after which, this gape‐limited predator undergoes a diet switch to a highly nutritional prey source (fish) resulting in a measurable growth acceleration. This conventional model of ferox trout growth was tested by comparing growth trajectories and age structures of ferox trout and sympatric invertebrate‐feeding trout in multiple lake systems in Scotland. In two of the three lakes examined, fish displaying alternative life history strategies, but living in sympatry, exhibited distinctly different growth trajectories. In the third lake, a similar pattern of growth was observed between trophic groups. Piscivorous trout were significantly older than sympatric invertebrate‐feeding trout at all sites, but ultimate body size was greater in only two of three sites. This study demonstrates that there are multiple ontogenetic growth pathways to achieving piscivory in S. trutta and that the adoption of a piscivorous diet may be a factor contributing to the extension of lifespan.     

Use of first‐order tributaries by brown trout (Salmo trutta) as nursery habitat in a cold water stream network

Many investigators have examined the importance of suitable in‐stream habitat and flow regime to salmonid fishes. However, there is much less known about the use of small (<5 l·s^?1 discharge) first‐order streams within a larger stream network by salmonids. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of small headwater streams by juvenile brown trout Salmo trutta in the Emmons Creek stream network in Wisconsin, USA, and to determine whether abundance was related to habitat variables in these streams. Fishes in eight spring‐fed first‐order streams were sampled during a 7‐month period using a backpack electroshocker and measured for total length. Habitat variables assessed included stream discharge, water velocity, sediment composition and the abundance of cover items (woody debris and macrophytes). Densities of YOY trout ranged from 0 to 1 per m² over the course of the study and differed among first‐order streams. Stepwise multiple regression revealed discharge to be negatively associated with trout density in spring but not in summer. All other habitat variables were not significantly related to trout density. Our results demonstrate the viability of small first‐order streams as nursery habitat for brown trout and support the inclusion of headwater streams in conservation and stream restoration efforts.     

Paternal variation in juvenile survival and growth of the triploid hybrid between female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) and male brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)

Abstract Related sib‐groups of rainbow trout × brown trout triploid hybrid and monospecific brown trout controls were obtained from a common set of brown trout sires. On the basis of hybrid juvenile survival and growth, 10 sib‐groups were selected and the corresponding brown trouts were raised up to adult stage. Males from each group of brown trout were used to produce a second generation of hybrid progeny, the performances of which were analysed for grandpaternal variation and relation with first generation relatives. Results showed that hybrid traits were influenced by paternal and grandpaternal origin, but that there was little relation between hybrids and brown trouts, or between successive generations of hybrids.     

No difference in survival, growth and morphology between offspring of wild-born, hatchery and hybrid brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Abstract –  We studied survival, growth and morphological characters in the offspring of native hatchery and wild-born anadromous brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) and their hybrids (wild-born female × hatchery male and wild-born male × hatchery female) in a 1-year field experiment. We also conducted laboratory studies where we examined social interactions between the offspring of the same hatchery and wild-born trout. All offspring were raised in a hatchery and nose tagged before being released into the stream. In total, 1125 individuals were released into the stream (1999) and a total of 614 individuals were recovered (2000). We found no differences in growth and survival between the offspring of hatchery, wild-born and hybrid trout. Morphology was also similar among groups, where only 38% females and 36% males were classified into the right category, which were only 12% better than random classification. In the laboratory experiment, we compared only the offspring of hatchery and wild-born trout with respect to growth, dominance, aggressiveness, feeding and activity. We found small differences between the offspring of hatchery and wild-born fish with respect to growth but this effect was not found in the field experiment. Our result suggests that the offspring of hatchery trout and hybrids between hatchery and wild-born trout performed equally well to the offspring of wild-born trout.     

Combination effects of dietary EPA and DHA plus alpha‐tocopherol: effects on performance and physiological status of Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius) fry

The effects of dietary n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] with α‐tocopherol on growth, non‐specific immune response and oxidative status were investigated in Caspian brown trout, Salmo trutta caspius, fry. Six experimental diets containing three different dietary levels of n‐3 HUFAs (low: 1 + 0.5% of total fatty acids, DHA+ EPA, medium: 2 + 1%, DHA + EPA, high: 4 + 2%, DHA + EPA) with two different levels of α‐tocopherol (low: 300 and high: 1000 mg kg^?1 diet) were prepared and named: LL, LH, ML, MH, HL and HH (HUFA/α‐tocopherol) groups, respectively. Diets were fed to triplicate groups of 60 fry with an initial weight of 600 ± 25 mg for 10 weeks. Results showed that increase in dietary DHA and EPA up to high level improved fry growth in terms of the body weight and specific growth rate, particularly when dietary α‐tocopherol levels were high, suggesting a higher antioxidant protection value when these fatty acids are high. At all dietary n‐3 HUFA levels, increase in α‐tocopherol from low to high level enhanced the alternative complement (ACH50) activity. Fry fed diets medium and high n‐3 HUFA displaying significantly higher lysozyme activity (P < 0.05). Moreover, fish fed medium or high levels of n‐3 HUFA had significantly lower prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) than those fed low n‐3 HUFA (P < 0.05). Significant differences in antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S‐transferase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) activity were also observed between groups, with higher activity in high levels of n‐3 HUFA (P < 0.05). Results of this study suggest that the effect of dietary n‐3 HUFA on examined non‐specific immunity parameters are not uniform; however, these impacts are closely related to the α‐tocopherol supplement and their interaction. In conclusion, increased dietary levels of n‐3 HUFA and α‐tocopherol would enhance growth performance and welfare of this species.     

Are growth and recapture of hatchery‐reared and resident brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) density dependent after stocking?

Abstract –  The population density of brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) in a small natural system was manipulated in six equal-length stream sections by stocking hatchery-reared 1+ brown trout (unstocked, tripled and quintupled) over two consecutive years. The results showed that hatchery-reared trout grew more slowly and were more mobile than resident trout, and that their growth was inversely density dependent. In contrast, growth of the resident trout was density independent. The recapture of 1+ resident and hatchery-reared trout was inversely density dependent. This is most likely a consequence of increased competition. However, after a single winter the population density returned to its base level prior stocking and older resident trout showed no density-dependent recapture. Thus, the advantage of stocking, here higher biomass, may have the detrimental effect of decreasing resident stocks of the same size class during summer.     

Recovery of Hafnia alvei from diseased brown trout,Salmo trutta L., and healthy noble crayfish,Astacus astacus (L.), in Bulgaria

Hafnia alvei was isolated in Bulgaria from healthy noble crayfish, Astacus astacus (L.), and then from farmed diseased brown trout, Salmo trutta L., with signs of haemorrhagic septicaemia. The isolates were identified initially with conventional phenotyping and commercial Merlin Micronaut and API 20E rapid identification systems, followed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Hafnia alvei Bt1, Bt2 and Aa4 were of low virulence to rainbow trout and brown trout, although cytotoxicity was demonstrated by Bt1 and Bt2, but not by Aa4.     

Genetic effects of introduced hatchery stocks on indigenous brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations in Spain

Abstract– To assess the levels of gene introgression from cultured to wild brown trout populations, four officially stocked locations and four nonstocked locations were sampled for one to three consecutive years and compared to the hatchery strain used for stocking. Allozyme analysis for 25 loci included those previously described as providing allelic markers distinguishing hatchery stocks and native populations. Different levels of hybridization and introgression with hatchery índividuals were detected in stocked drainages as well as in protected locations. These findings indicate that new policies for stocking and monitoring hatchery fish are needed if gene pools of wild Spanish brown trout populations are to be preserved.     

Autumn food restriction reduces smoltification rate,but not over‐winter survival,in juvenile brown trout Salmo trutta

The winter is often considered as a survival bottleneck for stream‐living fish. Juvenile salmonids generally become less active during this period, and while food intake continues to some extent, growth rates are typically low. Here we present the results of an over‐winter field experiment where energy levels were manipulated in late autumn. Three groups of juvenile (age 1+) brown trout, from an anadromous population, were monitored with respect to over‐winter growth rate and survival (as indicated by recapture rates). Two groups were fed either high (HR), or low (LR) food rations in the laboratory for a month (October); the third group remained in the stream (STR). Over‐winter growth rates were relatively low in all groups, and no growth compensation could be detected. Compared to HR and LR, STR fish had higher recapture rates after winter, indicating that laboratory housing may have affected the subsequent stream survival negatively. Comparing the two laboratory‐housed groups, the LR group reached similar condition as the HR group in early spring, without indications of differences in survival. However, the initiation rate of body silvering (indicating initiation of smoltification) was lower in the LR group. Thus, it appears that food restriction during late autumn affect the onset of smoltification in juvenile brown trout. The results support previous laboratory studies indicating that salmonids modify their over‐winter foraging behaviour to avoid too low energy levels at the end of winter. This modification appears to delay smoltification, but may not necessarily be costly in terms of over‐winter mortality.     

Effect of iodophor disinfection of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs on their bacterial and fungus load

This study investigated the efficiency of iodophor disinfection (135 ppm active iodine for 15–30 min) of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs against different groups of bacteria and against fungus. Egg samples were taken from non‐disinfected and from disinfected eggs, microorganisms were cultured on specific nutrient media and their mass was measured by turbidimetric methods. Bacteria and fungus mass of non‐hardened eggs could be reduced but not eliminated by iodophor disinfection with 135 ppm active iodine for 15 min. The extent of reduction was 47–65% (Experiment 1). The efficiency of disinfection increased with disinfection time as the reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was 40–55% after 15 min and 58–74% after 30 min (Experiment 2). Disinfection efficiency of iodophor solution diluted in water (reduction 49–57%) and of iodophor solution diluted in sodium chloride solution iso‐osmolar to the oocytes (reduction 52–61%) was similar (Experiment 3). The reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was persistent as it was 39–72% lower in embryos deriving from disinfected eggs than in embryos deriving from non‐disinfected ones (Experiment 4). In conclusion, the tested disinfection method is inadequate to eliminate pathogens completely but it could positively influence immune defence of eggs and embryos.     

Swimming performance of brown trout and grayling show species‐specific responses to changes in temperature

Fishways have historically been constructed to restore and preserve the ecological connectivity for fish in fragmented rivers. However, the fishways are often selective on species due to different size and swimming capacity. As the proportion of dammed rivers is still increasing, there is a growing need for more information on wild fish and their migration potential. In this study, we compared the swimming capacity of wild caught brown trout (Salmo trutta) and European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) until the fish were exhausted in a critical swimming speed (U_crit) test, under three different naturally occurring stream temperatures in Norway: 1.7, 5.5 and 10°C. The results indicated that trout swim better at the warmer temperatures than at colder temperatures. The grayling showed consistent swimming patterns with little variation across all tested temperatures. The results therefore signify the need to have operational fishways already early in the spring when the grayling migration starts and highlight the need for more studies on fish migration abilities across a wider range of species and seasons.     

The effects of ration size on migration by hatchery‐raised Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Abstract – The possibility to increase the proportion of migrating hatchery‐reared smolts by reducing their food ration was studied. Lake‐migrating, hatchery‐reared salmon (Salmo salar) and trout (Salmo trutta) smolts were either fed normal rations, based on recommendations from the fish‐farming industry, or reduced (15–20%) rations. They were released into the River Klarälven, western Sweden, and followed as they swam downstream to Lake Vänern, a distance of around 25 km. For both Atlantic salmon and brown trout, smolts fed a reduced ration migrated faster than fish fed a normal ration. Furthermore, a higher proportion of salmon smolts fed reduced rations migrated to the lake than fish fed normal rations in 2007 but not in 2006. This difference between years corresponded to greater treatment differences in size and smolt status in 2007 than in 2006. For trout, the proportion of migrating individuals and smolt development did not differ with ration size. Trout migrants fed a normal ration had a higher standard metabolic rate (SMR) than nonmigrants, whereas there was no difference in SMR between migrating and nonmigrating salmon. These results show that it is possible to use a reduced food ration to increase the migration speed of both Atlantic salmon and brown trout and to increase the proportion of migrating Atlantic salmon.     

Habitat utilization of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.), brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) in two lakes in northern Norway

Abstract— Habitat utilization of juvenile Atlantic salmon, brown trout and Arctic charr was investigated in two lakes in northern Norway during the icefree season. Both the vertical distribution and the distribution among different habitat types were studied by gillnetting with small mesh sized gillnets (8-15 mm) in different habitats. Salmon and trout were predominantly caught in the littoral and sublittoral zones (0-6 m depth). Access to shelter seemed to be the most important factor determining the horizontal distribution of small salmon and trout. Most of these fish were caught in stony or vegetated habitats, while few salmon and trout were caught on sandy locations or in the pelagic zone. In one of the lakes, there were significantly higher catch rates of salmon than of trout in the stony littoral (0-3 m), while in the other lake there were no significant differences in spatial distribution between these two species. Charr were primarily found in the profundal, sublittoral or pelagic zones of the lakes.     

Effect of habitat type on growth and diet of brown trout, Salmo trutta L., in stream enclosures

The effect of habitat on the growth and diet of brown trout, Salmo trutta L., stocked at the same densities in nine stream enclosures, comprising three habitat types of different quality, were tested. The habitats, which were created based on microhabitat preference data, were a shallow water habitat lacking cobbles (habitat 1), a deeper, mixed cobble-bottomed (128-384 mm diameter) habitat (habitat 2) and a large cobble-bottomed (256-384 mm) habitat of intermediate depth (habitat 3). Brown trout were found to have greater increases in total biomass in habitats 2 and 3 than in habitat 1. The pattern for length did not follow that of biomass as trout had greater increases in total length in habitat 2 than in the other two habitats. Biomass of food in trout diets reflected habitat-specific fish biomass changes, with a greater total biomass of prey as well a greater biomass of the leech, Erpobdella, in habitats 2 and 3 than in habitat 1. There were no habitat-specific differences in the biomass of benthic or drifting invertebrates in the enclosures, with the exception of a tendency for an effect of habitat on the biomass of Erpobdella. Although there may have been habitat-specific differences in food resources that were not detected, it is believed that the higher biomass growth in habitats 2 and 3 may have reflected differences in cover afforded by the deeper water and coarser substrates and/or improved foraging opportunities facilitated by the larger volumes of water in the deeper habitats in which the trout could search for prey.     

Distribution patterns of saprolegniosis cutaneous lesions in wild and farmed brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) obtained using a geographic information system (GIS)

A retrospective study was conducted using 250 clinical records of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) with saprolegniosis by Saprolegnia parasitica, which had been collected from 8 rivers and 1 fish farm in the province of León (Spain). A geographic information system (GIS) was used to obtain skin lesion distribution patterns in males and females. Lesions in wild brown trout affected 15.31 ± 13.33% of the body surface, with a mean of 12.76 ± 6.56 lesions per fish. In addition, 51.23% of wild trout presented lesions with necrosis of the skin or fins. The pattern obtained when not distinguishing between sexes indicated that saprolegniosis lesions are mainly located above the lateral line and most frequently affect the dorsal cephalic region, the adipose fin, the peduncle and the caudal fin. However, differences were observed between males and females. Farmed trout presented a lower percentage of affected body surface (2.06 ± 4.36) and a lower number of lesions with and without necrosis because they received preventive treatment for saprolegniosis.