Growth and Survivorship on Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) from a Study of Otolith Microstructure

Abstract

Otoliths are calcium carbonate structures found in the inner ear of fish. Otoliths have been found to create daily growth rings and can therefore be used to establish fish age. Growth rate and survivorship in coho salmon (Oncoryhnchus kisutch) are often significantly affected by birth date, stream conditions, predation, and competition for limited resources. The two streams studied here, Cranberry River in Wisconsin and Fork Creek in Washington, are exposed to different flow regimes.