The amphidromous life cycle and morphological characteristics of Sicydiinae species allow
them to colonise tropical freshwater habitats from the river mouth to the upper reaches of
the river basin. Otolith microchemistry of 62 Sicydium punctatum from the
Pérou River, Guadeloupe (French West Indies) was investigated with a femtosecond laser
ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (fs-LA-ICP-MS) in order to
reconstruct individual life history and follow the possible movements of Sicydium
punctatum after the recruitment. Sr:Ca fingerprint confirmed the amphidromous
cycle of this species. Variations of Ba:Ca in some individuals indicated changes in
environmental conditions after the recruitment in the river. Even if results did not allow
concluding to the specific origin of these variations, the hydrological regime and the
biofilm composition may have a non negligible influence on the Ba availability. Results
supported the use of multi-elemental signatures in otoliths and highlight the need for a
large geographical and temporal sampling of Ba and Sr in freshwater systems for a better
understanding of amphidromous fish species.