MEPS 477:251-258 (2013)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps10146

ABSTRACT: The growth and development of the aragonitic CaCO₃ otoliths of teleost fish could be vulnerable to processes resulting from ocean acidification. The potential effects of an increase in atmospheric CO₂ on the calcification of the otoliths were investigated by rearing Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. larvae in 3 pCO₂ concentrations—control (370 µatm), medium (1800 µatm) and high (4200 µatm)—from March to May 2010. Increased otolith growth was observed in 7 to 46 d post hatch (dph) cod larvae at elevated pCO₂ concentrations. The sagittae and lapilli were usually largest in the high pCO₂ treatment followed by the medium and control treatments. The greatest difference in mean otolith surface area (normalized to fish length) was for sagittae at 11 dph, with medium and high treatments being 46 and 43% larger than the control group, respectively. There was no significant pCO₂ effect on the shape of the otoliths nor were there any trends in the fluctuating asymmetry, defined as the difference between the right and left sides, in relation to the increase in otolith growth from elevated pCO₂.

KEY WORDS: Otolith growth/calcification · Ocean acidification · Atlantic cod larvae · Gadus morhua L.