Experimental tests for heritable morphological color plasticity in non-native brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations.

ABSTRACT: The success of invasive species is frequently attributed to phenotypic plasticity, which facilitates persistence in novel environments. Here we report on experimental tests to determine whether the intensity of cryptic coloration patterns in a global invader (brown trout, Salmo trutta) was primarily the result of plasticity or heritable variation. Juvenile F1 offspring were created through experimental crosses of wild-caught parents and reared for 30 days in the laboratory in a split-brood design on either light or dark-colored gravel substrate. Skin and fin coloration quantified with digital photography and image analysis indicated strong plastic effects in response to substrate color; individuals reared on dark substrate had both darker melanin-based skin color and carotenoid-based fin c

SUBMITTER: Westley PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3832361 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature