Morphology and life history of the Great Slave Lake ciscoes (Salmoniformes: Coregoninae)

DOWNLOAD

March 11, 2014 - A.M. Muir, P. Vecsei, M. Power, C.C. Krueger, and J.D. Reist

Journal or Book Title: Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Research Document

Volume/Issue: Vol. 47

Page Number(s): 1-29

Year Published: 2013

The ciscoes (Salmoniformes: Coregoninae) have radiated into complexes of closely related species, life history types, and ecological variants. The taxonomy of the North American ciscoes remains unresolved. We provide the first comprehensive description of the Great Slave Lake ciscoes by comparing gross body morphology, phenotypic and life history traits, and habitat use among morphs, and assessing the validity of morphs within the context of existing taxonomy. At a minimum, our analysis supports the hypothesis that the Great Slave Lake ciscoes include two strongly differentiated species (Coregonus artedi and C. sardinella) and an adfluvial C. artedi morph that is distinct from its lacustrine conspecific in terms of life history, morphology, age, growth, and mortality. C. sardinella has previously been identified from Great Slave Lake, but we provide the first comprehensive description of this species in the lake and confirm a significant range extension for the species. The lacustrine C. artedi differs little from descriptions throughout its range. In addition to these three ciscoes, linear phenotypic traits, gillraker number and morphology, and growth data support the possible occurrence of two other, less-distinct morphs, the big-eye cisco C. artedi and C. zenithicus. Although the big-eye morph was not identified by cluster analysis of body shape and linear phenotypic measures, it was visually identified on the basis of differences in traditional phenotypic proportions, such as eye diameter, paired fin lengths, and head and gillraker morphology expressed as thousands of standard length. In addition, the big-eye morph showed different age and growth structure compared to the other lacustrine cisco morphs. C. zenithicus was distinguished visually and by the statistical model of linear phenotypic traits as well as by gillraker number and morphology, which were within the range for the species across its distribution. Identifying, characterizing, and managing locally-adapted cisco morphs that reflect important ecological and bioenergetic linkages is critical to conserving the ecological integrity of northern ecosystems.

Type of Publication: Working Paper/White Paper

DOWNLOAD FILE

Authors

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • center for systems integration and sustainability
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).