Sex-specific associations of the maturation locus with exploratory behavior and boldness in Atlantic salmon juveniles.

Studies linking genetics, behavior and life history in any species are rare. In Atlantic salmon (), age at maturity is a key life-history trait and associates strongly with the locus, whereby the vgll3* allele is linked with younger age at maturity, and higher body condition than the allele. However, the relationship between this genetic variation and behaviors like boldness and exploration which may impact growth and reproductive strategies is poorly understood.

Linking vgll3 genotype and aggressive behaviour in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

We tested the possibility that vgll3, a gene linked with maturation age in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), may be associated with behaviour by measuring aggressiveness and feeding activity in 380 juveniles with different vgll3 genotypes. Contrary to our prediction, individuals with the genotype associated with later maturation (vgll3*LL) were significantly more aggressive than individuals with the genotype associated with earlier maturation (vgll3*EE). Individuals with higher aggression were also significantly lighter in colour and had higher feeding activity.