Impact of temperature and growth hormone on growth physiology of juvenile Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus)

The effects of temperature and growth hormone (GH) implantation on growth of juvenile Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) were investigated. The year-long study had three sequential experimental phases (EP) termed EP1, EP2 and EP3, lasting for 6, 9 and 37 weeks, respectively. The experimental fish were divided into four groups and reared at different target temperatures (3, 7, 11 and 15 °C) during EP1 and EP2, but at a constant temperature of 7 °C during EP3. At the beginning of EP2, half of the fish from each group was implanted with formulation of recombinant bovine GH (Posilac®), while the other half was sham-implanted with vehicle. The optimal temperature for growth (Topt.G) of early juveniles (geometric mean weight 7.5 g) was determined as 12.1 °C during EP1, while the upper critical temperature (Tc) was concluded to be very close to 15 °C, as fish at that temperature had stunted growth, increased mortality and showed external signs of skeletal deformities. Thus, the species was found to be relatively stenothermic during the early juvenile stages and therefore vulnerable to relatively modest increases in environmental temperature above Topt.G. At 15 °C, GH implantation had no effects on growth rate. This indicates that the high allostatic load at this temperature leaves no scope for increased growth. In contrast, at lower rearing temperatures, the GH implantation had substantial, long-term effects on growth rate and induced remarkably similar relative growth stimulation at 3, 7 and 11 °C, suggesting a temperature-independent mechanism for the growth-promoting effects of GH.