Response of Young Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) to Prolonged Periods of Starvation

Abstract

Young sockeye were held without food for periods of 20 and 30.5 weeks with few mortalities. As was reported in previous experiments, no record of the periods of starvation appeared on the scale, nor did checks form under these conditions. Those fish offered food after 20 weeks of starvation responded immediately and showed significant increases in body and scale growth at the end of 10 weeks feeding. Fish offered food after 30.5 weeks of starvation also responded immediately, but when the experiment ended after 5 weeks of feeding no significant increases in body and scale growth were apparent, indicating insufficient recovery time. A significant increase in the incidence of checks was associated with subsequent feeding. Light period did have some influence on body and scale growth.