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Growth and Survival of Larval and Juvenile Gila Chub at Different Temperatures
Author(s) -
Schultz Andrew A.,
Bonar Scott A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
north american journal of aquaculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.432
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1548-8454
pISSN - 1522-2055
DOI - 10.1577/a06-084.1
Subject(s) - juvenile , biology , larva , endangered species , zoology , fishery , ecology , habitat
The information needed to effectively culture imperiled native fishes for recovery efforts is lacking for certain species, yet it is critical for proper management and conservation. Culture techniques and requirements are virtually unknown for Gila chub Gila intermedia , a species federally listed as endangered. We tested the effect of four different water temperatures on the growth, survival, and overt health and appearance of larval (20, 24, 28, and 32°C) and two sizes of juvenile Gila chub (20, 23, 26, and 29°C). Growth of larvae was highest at 28°C and lowest at 32°C, whereas survival of larvae was highest at 24°C and lowest at 20°C. Spinal deformities were common for larvae reared at 32°C but generally uncommon for those reared at lower temperatures. Although growth of small (32–49 mm total length) and large (52–72 mm) juveniles generally increased with temperature, the differences were not statistically significant. In any experiment testing small and large juveniles, survival was 100% and no external abnormalities were noted. Water temperatures from 20°C to 28°C appear suitable for rearing larval Gila chub, temperatures from 24°C to 28°C being optimal. Water temperatures from 20°C to 29°C appear suitable for rearing juvenile Gila chub.