Effects of water temperature and barium concentration on otolith composition along a salinity gradient: Implications for migratory reconstructions

► I examined the effects of temperature, Ba:Ca, and salinity on otolith composition. ► Temperature × salinity interactions significantly affected otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca. ► Ba incorporation was negatively correlated with somatic growth rate. ► Interactions and rate effects can confound interpretations of field data. ► Species-specific models of incorporation may be needed for sound field applications.