The resorption of zinc from scales of sea trout (Salmo trutta) during the upstream spawning migration |
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| Authors: | K T O'GRADY |
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| Institution: | Freshwater Fisheries Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Liverpool, U.K. |
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| Abstract: | SUMMARY. The concentration of zinc in the scales of unripe, prespawning, estuarine sea trout was compared to that in the scales of sea trout about to spawn in fresh water. Zinc concentrations in scales from estuarine sea trout were in agreement with a published concentration factor but those from fresh water were not — a 43–52% reduction in the zinc concentration of the scales was observed. This withdrawal of trace metals from scales was also likely for iron but these data were less conclusive. This reclamation of trace metals from scales may represent the withdrawal of stored nutrients from body reserves to be used in gonad development and maturation. |
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