Thermal experience during embryogenesis contributes to the induction of dwarfism in whitefish Coregonus lavaretus.

ABSTRACT: Ecotype pairs provide well-suited model systems for study of intraspecific phenotypical diversification of animals. However, little is still known about the processes that account for the development of different forms and sizes within a species, particularly in teleosts. Here, embryos of a normal-growing 'large' form and a dwarf form of whitefish Coregonus lavaretus were incubated at two temperatures that are usually experienced at their own spawning sites (2°C for the normal and 6°C for the dwarf form). All fish were subjected to similar thermal treatment after hatching. The present data demonstrate for the first time that different thermal experience in embryonic life has lasting effects on body and muscle growth of this ecotype pair and contributes to the development of the dwarf form.

SUBMITTER: Steinbacher P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5612755 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature