Small-scale spatial variation in the elemental composition of otoliths of Stegastes nigricans (Pomacentridae) in French Polynesia

Solution-based inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine if Stegastes nigricans collected from 15 sites in French Polynesia could be distinguished by the trace element composition of their otoliths. A total of 293 adults were collected by spearing and their otoliths were analysed. We found that elemental signatures differed significantly among sites within and between the islands of Tahiti and Moorea ( p <0.001), primarily due to variation in concentrations of the elements Ba, Ca, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Sr and Y. The otoliths of fish collected within Papeete Harbour in Tahiti had distinctive elemental signatures characterised by relatively high concentrations of Mn. Otoliths of these fish could be distinguished from others that were collected only a small distance (200 m) from the harbour. This is the first time that differences in chemical composition of otoliths have been reported at such small spatial scales and this trait may prove useful for the studies of connectivity of populations at within reef scales.