Stable isotopes in the eye lenses of Doryteuthis plei (Blainville 1823): Exploring natal origins and migratory patterns in the eastern Gulf of Mexico

Authors

Brenna Meath, University of South Florida
Ernst B. Peebles, University of South FloridaFollow
Brad A. Seibel, University of South FloridaFollow
Heather L. JudkinsFollow

SelectedWorks Author Profiles:

Heather L. Judkins

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

ISSN

0278-4343

Abstract

Eye lenses of Doryteuthis plei (Blainville 1823), the slender inshore squid or arrow squid, were used to re-create lifetime δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N histories for 42 individuals (21 males, 21 females) collected by trawl from the West Florida Shelf (WFS). These histories were compared against isoscapes for the Gulf of Mexico to infer geographic movements over the squid's life. Most individuals (62%) had significant lifetime increases in δ¹³C, indicating landward movement, while only 12% of individuals indicated seaward movement. Males appeared to have a reduced tendency to move landward (38 vs 86% in females). Lifetime increases in δ¹⁵N indicated males and females had similar tendencies toward northward movement (71 vs 62%). The above patterns were interpreted as being geographic because the slopes of coupled changes in δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C were largely inconsistent with numeric expectations of increasing trophic level during life. Lifetime habitat shifts appeared to be continuous rather than saltatory (stepped). When plotted together, δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N did not occur in discrete clusters and often varied together in a linear manner. Isotopes from the central core of the lens, which represents the earliest period of post-embryonic life, were variable, with no apparent clustering when plotted, suggesting widely dispersed spawning grounds. Core isotope values were consistent with spawning on the outer WFS, possibly in association with the deep chlorophyll maximum. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd

Publisher

Elsevier

Recommended Citation

Meath, B., Peebles, E. B., Seibel, B. A., & Judkins, H. (2019). Stable isotopes in the eye lenses of Doryteuthis plei (Blainville 1823): Exploring natal origins and migratory patterns in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Continental Shelf Research, 174, 76–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2018.12.013