Widespread high prevalence of vaterite in Pink Salmon ( Oncorhynchus gorbuscha ) otoliths

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Abstract
Pacific salmonids rely on precise sensory mechanisms, including the sagittal otolith, to support long-distance migrations. Vaterite replacement of otolith aragonite can impair sensory function, and compromise otolith-based reconstructions of environmental history. Otoliths from 1116 native and invasive Pink Salmon across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans were examined for vaterite prevalence, coverage, and timing of formation. Visual assessment proved to be a reliable and efficient method for identifying otolith mineralogy, based on validation using X-ray diffraction ( R 2 = 0.99, p < 0.001). We document exceptionally high vaterite prevalence in Pink Salmon from both Atlantic (97%) and Pacific (94%–96%) populations, with minimal geographic variation and no differences among native and invasive or wild and hatchery populations. Mean vaterite coverage within otolith pairs was 49 ± 27% ( n = 449). The prevalence of vaterite far exceeded that reported for other salmonids, including hatchery-reared populations. Our results indicate that vaterite formation can occur at any life stage, beginning as early as the juvenile freshwater stage and peaking early in the marine phase. Overall, our findings support an association between the unusually high prevalence of vaterite in Pink Salmon and a life-history strategy characterized by rapid growth.
Funding Information
  • Natural Environment Research Council Arctic Office
  • Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
  • H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (101026030)
  • Research Council of Norway (160022/F40)

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