An RNA:DNA-based growth model for young-of-the-year winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum)

Authors: Mercaldo-Allen; Kuropat¹; Caldarone²

Source: Journal of Fish Biology, Volume 72, Number 6, April 2008 , pp. 1321-1331(11)

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Abstract:

A laboratory calibration experiment was conducted to determine the relationship between nucleic acid-based variables and growth rate in young-of-the-year winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus. Three temperatures and three feeding levels were used to produce a variety of growth rates. Nucleic acid analyses were conducted on white muscle tissue using an ultraviolet absorption assay. RNA concentration (μg mg⁻¹ wet tissue mass) and the ratio of RNA:DNA (R_RD) were positively correlated with a mass-based instantaneous growth coefficient (G_M) (r = 0·42 and 0·72, respectively). Fifty-one per cent of the variability in growth rate was explained by the simple linear regression G_M=−0·02615 + 0·00848R_RD (P < 0·001). This model can be used to estimate recent growth rates for early juvenile winter flounder (27-52 mm standard length) at temperatures ranging from 11 to 24° C.

Keywords: growth; juvenile; RNA:DNA ratio; winter flounder

Document Type: Regular paper

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2008.01798.x

Affiliations: 1: NOAA/NMFS/NEFSC Milford Laboratory, 212 Rogers Avenue, Milford, CT 06460, U.S.A. 2: NOAA/NMFS/NEFSC Narragansett Laboratory, 28 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, U.S.A.

Publication date: 2008-04-01