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Evaluation of F 1 Hybrid Crappies as Sport Fish in Small Impoundments
Author(s) -
Hooe Michael L.,
Buck D. Homer
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8675(1991)011<0564:eofhca>2.3.co;2
Subject(s) - hybrid , backcrossing , biology , fish <actinopterygii> , reciprocal , horticulture , genetics , fishery , gene , linguistics , philosophy
Growth and reproductive characteristics of reciprocal F 1 and F 2 hybrid crappies–white crappies Pomoxis annularis × black crappies P. nigromaculatus –were examined to determine if hybrids are better suited for stocking in small impoundments than their parent species. Relative weight gains of the reciprocal age‐0 F 1 and F 2 hybrid crappies were not significantly different ( P = 0.55), but the relationship may have been masked by differences in initial sizes of the test fish. Second‐year relative growth rates of both reciprocal F 1 hybrids were significantly greater than growth of either of the parent species and, with one exception, than growth of the reciprocal F 2 hybrids. The reciprocal F 1 hybrid crappies were capable of backcrossing with their parent species, and both reciprocal F 1 hybrid male crappies had viabilities equal to those of their parent species. Egg viability for the F 1 hybrid black crappie female × white crappie male appeared equal to that of the parent species and greater than that of its reciprocal hybrid. Recruitment in ponds was highest for the pure species, intermediate for the F 1 hybrids, and lowest for the F 2 hybrids. This study confirmed that F 1 hybrid crappies may offer a viable alternative to stocking parent species in small impoundments, the F 1 hybrid white crappie female × black crappie male being preferable to its reciprocal hybrid. We recommend that hybrid crappies be used only on an experimental basis pending a more thorough evaluation of the incidence and effects of backcrossing with parent species.