Correlation between δ13C and δ15N in flying fish (Exocoetus volitans) muscle and scales from the South China Sea

Wu, Libin; Xu, Liqiang; Sun, Jing; Wang, Xueying; Wei, Yangyang; Li, Yeling; Liu, Xiaodong

doi:10.1515/ohs-2017-0032

Abstract

We collected flying fish (Exocoetus volitans) from the South China Sea to determine whether fish scale isotope values correlate with those from muscle, and discuss relevant eco-environmental implications. A significant positive correlation was determined between fish scales and muscle δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N, rendering a fish scale an alternative to muscle tissue for stable isotope analysis. However, muscle and scale isotopic offsets should be fully considered when using δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N to analyze the actual trophic level of fish and their food source. The average offsets of δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N between muscles and scales are -2.1 ± 0.5‰ and 2.3 ± 0.6‰, respectively, though these values vary slightly with fish mass. Weak correlations were found between δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N, both in the flying fish muscle and scales, suggesting that other factors are influencing δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N. Fish δ¹⁵N also correlates with the size of individuals, while δ¹³C reflects the marine habitat. Based on our data, it appears that more eco-environmental processes can be revealed from modern or ancient flying fish scales.

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Correlation between δ13C and δ15N in flying fish (Exocoetus volitans) muscle and scales from the South China Sea

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