Assessing prevalence and correlates of blue-colored flesh in lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) across their geographic range

Abstract Intraspecific variation in external and internal pigmentation is common among fishes explained by a variety of biological ecological factors. Blue-colored flesh relatively rare but has been documented some species the sculpin, greenling, perch families. Diet, starvation, photoprotection, camouflage have all suggested as proximate mechanisms driving blue flesh, causal factors are poorly understood. We evaluated relative importance spatial that could explain coloration 2021 lingcod ( Ophiodon elongatus ) captured across their range northeastern Pacific, from southeast Alaska to southern California. The probability having was highest for fish were female, caught shallower water, smaller body size. incidence blueness varied region (4–25% fish) also confounded differences sex ratios regions. analyzed multivariate fatty acid composition subset 175 sampling test trophic biomarkers lingcod. Lingcod differed between regions colors not sexes. Blue-fleshed had lower concentrations total acids, 18:1ω-9, 16:1ω-7, 18:1ω-7, ω-6 suggesting energetics energy storage fish. While our data indicate potential links diet lingcod, important questions remain about physiological governing its consequences.