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Intersex Condition of Shoal Bass in the Flint River, Georgia
Author(s) -
Ingram Dallas R.,
Miller Debra L.,
Ingram Travis R.,
Tannehill Josh E.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of aquatic animal health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.507
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1548-8667
pISSN - 0899-7659
DOI - 10.1080/08997659.2011.642092
Subject(s) - shoal , bass (fish) , fishery , biology , micropterus , zoology , oceanography , geology
We examined male shoal bass Micropterus cataractae from the Flint River, Georgia, to determine the prevalence of intersex. During March and April 2010, we sampled 61 shoal bass from six sites along the Flint River. Testes were examined histologically and classified as intersex if the presence of oocytes was noted. Using a severity index, we compared samples collected on different dates and from different locations according to age and testis weight. No significant variations were noted among any of the groupings. Further investigation is needed to determine whether the intersex condition in shoal bass is severe enough to warrant concern and whether it is a natural phenomenon. Received January 20, 2011; accepted July 22, 2011