Aggression and Variation in Growth of Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Juveniles in Seawater: Effects of Limited Ration

Abstract

Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) were grown in groups of 10 for 40 d on three limiting ration levels, and weight and fork length were measured at day 0 and day 40. Variation in growth of fish within a cohort was estimated from calculation of coefficients of variation for weight, fork length, condition factor, and growth rate. Average growth was significantly less at the lowest ration level than at the two higher levels, where average growth did not differ significantly. However, variation in growth (growth depensation) was significantly higher at the lowest and intermediate ration levels than at the highest ration level; we surmise that this higher variation is associated with increased competition and the disproportionate acquisition of food by larger fish. Aggressive behavior was most intense at the highest ration level. Chum salmon apparently show characteristics of a schooling fish while showing aggression, behaviors that are generally viewed as mutually exclusive.