Abstract
We have applied the novel analytical method NanoSIMS to cephalopod statoliths for the first time in order to analyse their chemical microstructure, using a spatial resolution of 400 nm. This technique makes it possible to analyse in situ nano-scale chemical variations between increment layers. In statoliths of the boreoatlantic armhook squid Gonatus fabricii, we found distinct concentration patterns indicating a periodicity in strontium and sodium distributions. Sr and Na show a negative relation, both elements showing alternating patterns where the increments vary in width between approximately 1 and 5 μm. Results suggest, that aragonite deposited during the night is rich in Na and poor in Sr, while aragonite deposited during the day is rich in Sr and poor in Na. This study demonstrates the excellent suitability of NanoSIMS for nano-scale microchemical analyses of aragonite, providing new information on calcification processes and individual life histories. Possible future fields of application include not only cephalopod statoliths, but also virtually all biomineralized tissues in aquatic organisms like fish otoliths, gastropod statoliths, bivalve shells, foraminifers and corals.
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Acknowledgements
CAMECA generously provided lab space, facilities, and hospitality during the measurements in Paris. We are grateful to Kai Wieland and the crew of RV “Paamiut” for collecting the cephalopods, and Rikke P. Frandsen for assistance with dissecting specimens. This study was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Pi 203/11-1, Pi 203/11-2 and Ha 2100/9-1).
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Zumholz, K., Hansteen, T., Hillion, F. et al. Elemental distribution in cephalopod statoliths: NanoSIMS provides new insights into nano-scale structure. Rev Fish Biol Fisheries 17, 487–491 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-006-9036-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-006-9036-4