Stable isotope analyses of collagen in fish scales: limitations set by scale architecture

Abstract

Comparisons between the stable isotope composition of carbon in collagen excized from juvenile (freshwater) and adult (marine) portions of scales from Atlantic salmon Salmo salar demonstrated that c. 75% of carbon analysed in the ‘juvenile’ portion of the scale derives from later formed collagen. Scale collagen analyses were effectively restricted to the last season of growth.