Differential delta super(13)C and delta super(15)N signatures among scallop tissues: Implications for ecology and physiology

• Published in: Journal of experimental marine biology and ecology Vol. 275; no. 1; pp. 47 - 61
• Main Authors: Lorrain, A, Paulet, Y-M, Chauvaud, L, Savoye, N, Donval, A, Saout, Ch
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 17.08.2002
• Subjects: Pecten maximus; stable isotopes; France
• ISSN: 0022-0981

There have been several studies where the isotopic composition of organisms has been determined seasonally, but fewer have examined separate organs. In this context, separate organs (e.g. gonad, digestive gland and muscle) of a suspension-feeder, the scallop Pecten maximus, were used to assess seasonal changes of both stable isotopes and biochemical components. Our study used multiple indicators [stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios, biochemical components and seston chlorophyll-a (chl a)] to track nutritive activity and energy allocation in P. maximus from the Bay of Brest (France). In addition to seasonal variation in the isotopic composition of P. maximus tissues, we found strong differences in the mean isotopic signatures of different organs. This has serious implications for interpretation of animal diets and potential use in animal physiology. Furthermore, we present evidence that seasonal variations of metabolism will cause changes in the isotopic composition not related to changes in the diet. Interpretation of isotopic data may require consideration of values from several separate organs. Finally, delta super(15)N appears powerful to track metabolite fates in the scallop P. maximus.