Fluctuating asymmetry in the otoliths of juvenile Atlantic menhaden from three locations in Chesapeake Bay

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is assumed to reflect the developmental instability caused by environmental or physiological stress and is ultimately believed to represent one metric for fish condition.  Fish otoliths represent a very good tool for investigating the consequence of different effects on FA.  We measured otolith FA in three groups of juvenile Atlantic menhaden in Chesapeake Bay and determined how FA was related to age and growth and migratory history.  Later we followed these same three groups of fish to the adult population of Atlantic menhaden to see whether any of the measured parameters accurately predicted the adult composition.

Age and growth was not related to FA, but migratory history did show trends with FA.  Menhaden that were captured farther from their natal source had more symmetric otoliths.  This was consistent among multiple years in Chesapeake Bay.  However, FA was not reflected in the adult population, indicating that FA may not be a good proxy for fitness.