Influence of Temperature on Mortality and Retention of Simulated Transmitters in Rainbow Trout

Abstract

Eighty rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were implanted with simulated transmitters and held at 10, 15, and 20°C for 50 d. Transmitter expulsion ranged from 12% to 27% and was significantly higher at 20°C than at 10°C. Mortality ranged from 7% to 25% and was not related to temperature. Although researchers should anticipate sample loss due to mortality and expulsion when designing telemetry studies with this species, these results provide evidence that rainbow trout survive at temperatures up to 20°C for at least 50 d after transmitter implantation surgery. Thus, radio telemetry may be a viable option for assessing movement of rainbow trout in warm water.