Ocean warming and hypoxia affect embryonic growth, fitness and survival of small‐spotted catsharks, Scyliorhinus canicula

• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14370
• Publication Date: 2020-05-08T10:02:51Z
• Authors: Syafiq M. Musa; Daniel M. Ripley; Timo Moritz; Holly A. Shiels
• Keywords: Scyliorhinus canicula; Oviparity; Hypoxia

Abstract Elasmobranchs are key to a healthy marine ecosystem but under threat from human activities, such as destructive fisheries and shark finning. Embryos of oviparous elasmobranchs may be further challenged during development by rising temperatures falling dissolved oxygen concentrations in their intertidal environment. However, the impact climate change on survival growth is still poorly understood. Here, we investigate effects temperature hypoxia small‐spotted catshark ( Scyliorhinus canicula ) embryos incubating eggs normoxia 15°C, 20°C, or 20°C. Incubation elevated increased embryonic rate, yolk consumption rate Fulton's condition factor at hatching, whilst decreasing total length body mass newly hatched sharks. Under low conditions (50% air saturation) S. dropped significantly temperature‐induced increase was reversed. Together, these data demonstrate both individual compound early ontogeny ubiquitous, coastal elasmobranch, .