Non-lethal Approach Identifies Variability of δ¹⁵N Values in the Fin Rays of Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara

Authors

Orian E. Tzadik, University of South Florida
Ethan A. Goddard, University of South Florida
David J. Hollander, University of South Florida
Christopher C. Koenig, Florida State University
Christopher D. Stallings, University of South FloridaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2015

Keywords

Isotope chronology, Fin-ray chemistry, Ontogeny, Trophic shifts, Nursery, Mangrove habitat, Food web, Diet

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1010

Abstract

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara, is critically endangered throughout its range but has begun to show initial signs of recovery in Florida state waters. As the population continues to rebound, researchers face a pressing need to fill the knowledge gaps about this iconic species. Here, we examined the δ¹⁵N isotopic records in fin rays collected from Atlantic Goliath Grouper, and related changes of isotopic ratios over time to life history characteristics. Fin-ray analysis was used as a non-lethal technique to sample individuals from two locations at similar latitudes from the west and east coasts of Florida, USA. δ¹⁵N data were acquired by mechanically separating the annuli of each fin ray and then analyzing the material in an Irradiance Elemental Analyzer Mass Spectrometer. The δ¹⁵N values were consistent among individuals within populations from each coast of Florida, and mirrored the expected changes over the lives of the fish. Overall, differences were found between δ¹⁵N values at juvenile life history phases versus adult phases, but the patterns associated with these differences were unique to each coastal group. We demonstrated, for the first time, that δ¹⁵N values from fin rays can be used to assess the life histories of Atlantic Goliath Grouper. The non-lethal strategies outlined here can be used to acquire information essential to the management of species of concern, such as those that are threatened or endangered.

Rights Information

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

PeerJ, v. 3, art. e1010

Scholar Commons Citation

Tzadik, Orian E.; Goddard, Ethan A.; Hollander, David J.; Koenig, Christopher C.; and Stallings, Christopher D., "Non-lethal Approach Identifies Variability of δ¹⁵N Values in the Fin Rays of Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara" (2015). Marine Science Faculty Publications. 2284.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/msc_facpub/2284