Olfactory chemoreceptory abilities of the larval and juvenile life history stages of striped bass (Morone saxatilis)

Abstract

Most studies which have addressed the chemoreception capabilities of marine species have focused on either coral reef fishes or salmonids. Very little literature exists addressing these mechanisms in temperate fish species despite many of these populations being in decline due to anthropogenic stressors. In order to properly manage stocks that are in decline, a fundamental understanding of how a species interacts with its environment is required to ensure there is not an oversight in management practices leading to further degradation of the resource. Here we show that the larval and juvenile forms of a commercially, recreationally, and ecologically important temperate fish species, Morone saxatilis, possess well developed chemoreception abilities. This species is able to recognize innate olfactory cues indicative of healthy nursery habitats. Beyond that the species displayed the ability to differentiate between predatory and non-predatory cues. Aquarium-reared fish not previously exposed to environmental cues were capable of identifying chemical cues associated with potential nursery habitat during larval stages of development, from five tidally controlled watersheds of coastal Delaware, USA. The juvenile stage was further able to differentiate between these watersheds based on varying degrees of degradation as a result of terrestrial land use changes. This species, which has been subjected to overfishing and is currently being overfished is in need of well-informed management practices through every life history phase to bolster the stock and ensure its future success.