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Effects of largemouth bass stocking rate on fish populations in aquatic mesocosms used for pesticide research
Author(s) -
Deutsch William G.,
Webber E. Cliff,
Bayne David R.,
Reed Clarence W.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620110102
Subject(s) - micropterus , bass (fish) , stocking , biology , lepomis macrochirus , fishery , predation , mesocosm , stocking rate , centrarchidae , zoology , invertebrate , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , ecosystem
From 1988 to 1989, the effects of largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides Lacepede) stocking rate on bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque) and bass populations were studied in twelve 0.1‐ha mesocosms in Alabama. About 240 mature bluegill were stocked in each pond in May, and their reproduction was monitored biweekly from June through September. Bass fingerlings were stocked at rates of 15, 28, and 55 fish per pond (four replicates) in June, and all fish were harvested in February. Mean length, weight, and relative condition of bass and number of young bluegill decreased with increasing stocking rate. Mean weight, growth, and relative condition of adult blue‐gill were directly related to stocking rate. A bimodal spawning pattern of bluegill was observed in all treatments, but the second peak was three‐fold greater in the high bass rate than in the low. A combination of bass and bluegill in mesocosms offers several advantages over bluegill alone. The medium bass stocking rate is recommended to maintain both fishes in good condition. Alternatively, bass may be crowded to keep bluegill in peak reproductive condition and optimal growth, prevent overcrowding of young bluegill, and reduce predation pressure on invertebrate populations.