Methyl mercury toxicokinetics in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) after intravascular administration

Abstract.—We have been examining proximate (functional morphology) and ultimate factors (survival from predation) relating to the pectoral spine in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. We briefly review functional morphology of the spine in channel catfish and then add new data on morphology in other ictalurids, including interpretation of the relatively smooth anterior and armored posterior profiles of the spine, functions of the various pectoral spine muscles, and new details about the mechanism of stridulatory sound production. Binding, locking, and production of stridulation sounds by the spine utilize derived processes on the spine base (dorsal, anterior, and ventral processes) that mate with counterparts within the pectoral girdle. Stridulation sounds are produced as a series of individual pulses during a forward pectoral fin sweep (abduction), and we provide evidence that each pulse is produced by a small amplitude forward movement, a slip-stick movement similar to bowing a violin. An anti-predator adaptation can work as a deterrent that reduces the probability of attack and as a defense that reduces the risk of mortality. Previous work indicated that the spine functions in defense. Intact channel catfish have a threefold greater chance of surviving a session with a largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides predator as comparably sized individuals with clipped spines. The question of whether the spine reduces the probability of attack had not been investigated. We presented bluegills Lepomis macrochirus and channel catfish to largemouth bass and found that largemouth bass consume more bluegills than channel catfish in a choice situation. Thus, experience with the pectoral spines likely deters attack, particularly if other species are available, and the spine increases the probability of surviving attack by complicating ingestion and possibly by the production of distress calls. Survival advantages accruing from the spine appear to have lead to the evolution of complex adaptations that permit locking and sound production.

Download Full-text

Urban and Community Fisheries Programs: Development, Management, and Evaluation

Urban and Community Fisheries Programs: Development, Management, and Evaluation ◽

10.47886/9781934874042.ch30 ◽

2008 ◽

Keyword(s):

Rainbow Trout ◽

Ictalurus Punctatus ◽

Channel Catfish ◽

Largemouth Bass ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Micropterus Salmoides ◽

White Male ◽

Lepomis Macrochirus ◽

Community Fisheries ◽

Catch Rates

Abstract.-Demographic studies have indicated that, since 1990, Kentucky’s urban population has experienced an 18% increase while its rural population has expanded by less than 1%. These demographic changes, coupled with a decline in fishing license sales, focused the need to develop and increase fishing opportunities in and around urban areas. In 2005, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources initiated a pilot urban fishing program aimed at providing urban residents with high quality fishing opportunities close to home. Five pilot lakes, located within four of Kentucky’s most populated counties, were selected to receive regular stockings of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, and hybrid bluegill Lepomis macrochirus x L. cyanellus. Rainbow trout were stocked at each lake in April and October. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, and hybrid bluegill were stocked in May and June. Monthly stocking rates were 202 trout/ha, 34 channel catfish/ha, 12 largemouth bass/ha, and 81 hybrid bluegill/ha. Creel and angler attitude surveys were conducted at two of the pilot lakes from April through August 2006 to determine angler catch and satisfaction. Although fishing pressure at these two lakes was high, most anglers practiced catch and release. Catch rates were 1.03 fish/h at Stein Lake and 0.79 fish/h at Upper Sportsman’s Lake. Angler attitude survey results indicated that the majority of anglers interviewed were not aware of the program and did not know that regular fish stockings were occurring at the lakes. The typical angler fishing these lakes was a white male between the ages of 30 and 49, who was satisfied with his fishing experience regardless of the number or size of fish caught. Further studies need to be completed to compare results from this study, and to refine stocking and marketing techniques used in the program.

Download Full-text

Effects of Cold Shock on Vulnerability of Juvenile Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) to Predation

Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada ◽

10.1139/f74-058 ◽

1974 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 351-354 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

C. C. Coutant ◽

H. M. Ducharme Jr. ◽

J. R. Fisher

Keyword(s):

Cold Stress ◽

Ictalurus Punctatus ◽

Channel Catfish ◽

Largemouth Bass ◽

Cold Shock ◽

Cold Water ◽

Micropterus Salmoides ◽

Predation Rate ◽

Temperature Differential ◽

Increasing Temperature

Acute cold stress caused increased predation on juvenile channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) by unstressed adult largemouth bass when temperature differentials were 9 and 7 C or more, respectively, (base temperatures 16 and 17 C). Predation rate tended to increase exponentially with increasing temperature differential. Catfish held 1 h in the cold water were only slightly less susceptible to predation than were others tested immediately after the temperature change.

Download Full-text

Urban and Community Fisheries Programs: Development, Management, and Evaluation

Urban and Community Fisheries Programs: Development, Management, and Evaluation ◽

10.47886/9781934874042.ch20 ◽

2008 ◽

Keyword(s):

Rainbow Trout ◽

Striped Bass ◽

Ictalurus Punctatus ◽

Channel Catfish ◽

Largemouth Bass ◽

Micropterus Salmoides ◽

Hybrid Striped Bass ◽

The Public ◽

Catch And Release ◽

Community Fisheries

Abstract.-The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Family and Community Fishing Program was developed in 2002 after a 3-year pilot study. The program’s goal is to enhance or create destinations in highly populated areas so that excellent fishing is available to all Arkansans. The program has grown from stocking catchable fishes in 10 locations in 2002 to 36 locations in 2007. In 2007, approximately 68,000 channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and 65,000 rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were stocked in spring/summer and winter, respectively, in 22 cities. Channel catfish and rainbow trout were both stocked at approximately 200 fish per acre per month. Hybrid striped bass Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops were stocked at 50-100 fish per acre when fish became available. Trophy blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus from 15 to 60 lb were stocked on occasion to increase media attention and generate angler excitement at Program locations. Anglers were permitted to harvest three channel catfish, three hybrid striped bass, and five rainbow trout per day with no length restrictions. Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides were catch and release only and the sunfish Lepomis spp. daily limit was 25. Ten fishing derbies and 14 fishing clinics were provided free to the public in 2007 to facilitate angler education and family participation. The Program has provided an opportunity for thousands of Arkansans to fish with friends and family in convenient locations.

Download Full-text

Toxicity of Nitrite to Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), Tilapia (Tilapia aurea), and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides): Evidence for a Nitrite Exclusion Mechanism

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences ◽

10.1139/f84-214 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 41 (12) ◽

pp. 1739-1744 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

R. M. Palachek ◽

J. R. Tomasso

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Ictalurus Punctatus ◽

Channel Catfish ◽

Largemouth Bass ◽

Micropterus Salmoides ◽

Environmental Concentrations ◽

Median Lethal Concentrations ◽

Exclusion Mechanism ◽

Plasma Nitrite ◽

Differential Ability

The 96-h median lethal concentrations of nitrite to channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), tilapia (Tilapia aurea), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) under similar water quality conditions were 7.1 ± 1.9, 16.2 ± 2.3, and 140.2 ± 8.1 mg NO2-N/L (mean ± SE), respectively (pH 7.7–8.2; temperature 23 °C). During 24-h sublethal exposures to nitrite, methemoglobin concentrations in the blood of all three species generally increased with increasing nitrite concentrations. Channel catfish and tilapia concentrated nitrite in their blood above environmental levels and generated higher methemoglobin concentrations than largemouth bass at all nitrite concentrations tested. Largemouth bass did not develop elevated methemoglobin concentrations until NO2-N concentrations reached 48.7 mg/L, and plasma nitrite concentrations in largemouth bass were never observed higher than environmental concentrations. These data indicate that differences in resistance to nitrite among species may be partially due to a differential ability of some species to prevent the concentration of nitrite in the plasma.

Download Full-text

Effects of Cage Culture on Growth, Abundance, and Survival of Resident Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada ◽

10.1139/f78-024 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 157-160 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Raj V. Kilambi ◽

James C. Adams ◽

William A. Wickizer

Keyword(s):

Stomach Content ◽

Ictalurus Punctatus ◽

Largemouth Bass ◽

Condition Factor ◽

Micropterus Salmoides ◽

Lepomis Macrochirus ◽

Salmo Gairdneri ◽

Cage Culture ◽

Content Analyses ◽

Culture Growth

Growth, population size, and survival of resident largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were estimated before, during, and after the cage culture of Salmo gairdneri and Ictalurus punctatus. Growth in length, length–weight relationship, and condition factor were similar among the periods; however, abundance and survival of largemouth bass increased through the 3 yr of investigation. Stomach content analyses showed that the bass fed on fishes (mostly Lepomis macrochirus), crayfish, insects, and zooplankton (predominantly entomostracans). Increase in the standing crops of L. macrochirus and entomostracans during the study periods have provided forage to the increased bass population and thus resulted in greater survival of the young and adult bass of the cage culture and postcage culture periods. Key words: largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, cage culture, growth, abundance, survival

Download Full-text

Comparative Learning Ability of Selected Fishes

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences ◽

10.1139/f85-101 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 42 (4) ◽

pp. 791-796 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Daniel W. Coble ◽

Gordon B. Farabee ◽

Richard O. Anderson

Keyword(s):

Ictalurus Punctatus ◽

Channel Catfish ◽

Yellow Perch ◽

Micropterus Salmoides ◽

Lepomis Macrochirus ◽

Learning Ability ◽

Phylogenetic Position ◽

Electrical Shock ◽

Learned Behavior ◽

Better Than

Fourteen species of freshwater fish were trained to execute a simple conditioned response in a shuttle box – to move in response to light to avoid an electrical shock. There was no relation between learning ability and phylogenetic position. Better learners included striped bass (Morone saxatilis), bigmouth buffalo (Ictiohus cyprinellus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and northern pike (Esoxlucius) were poor learners. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and redbelly tilapia (Tilapia zilli) could not be trained. Some fish retained their learned behavior for months, although performance deteriorated with time. Older channel catfish learned better than juveniles, but there was no difference between juvenile and older largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Temperature (18–28 °C) and feeding level (ranging from starvation for 25 d to ad libitum) did not affect learning of channel catfish, but the protozoan disease, ichthyophthiriasis, and perhaps our treatment of fish for the disease retarded it.

Download Full-text

Urban and Community Fisheries Programs: Development, Management, and Evaluation

Urban and Community Fisheries Programs: Development, Management, and Evaluation ◽

10.47886/9781934874042.ch18 ◽

2008 ◽

Keyword(s):

Ictalurus Punctatus ◽

Channel Catfish ◽

Salmo Trutta ◽

Kansas City ◽

Micropterus Salmoides ◽

Lepomis Macrochirus ◽

Annual Fish ◽

Natural Reproduction ◽

Commercial Sources ◽

Community Fisheries

Abstract.-The St. Louis Urban Fishing Program (UFP) was established in 1969 to provide close-to-home fishing opportunities for urban anglers in St. Louis, Missouri through regular fish stockings at five lakes, totaling 8.4 hectares. Urban Fishing Clinics (UFC) were added for children and therapeutic patients in 1971 and 1979, respectively. Since 1973, UFP has been funded and administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) with cooperation from municipal partners. Stocking rate, stocking schedule, and fishing regulation changes were made in the early 1990s. Since 1993, Community Assistance Program agreements have enabled MDC to improve UFP lake habitats and amenities. Subsequently, similar urban fishing programs have developed in Kansas City, St. Joseph, Sedalia, and Springfield, Missouri. Sportfish lakes are stocked with common carp Cyprinus carpio, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, hybrid sunfish Lepomis macrochirus x L. cyanellus, brown trout Salmo trutta, and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss from MDC hatcheries and commercial sources to create year-round angling opportunities. Annual fish stockings average up to 263 kg/ha, with a total of 1,119,105 kg since 1969. Completion of habitat improvement projects and subsequent successful natural reproduction of sportfish have allowed nine UFP lakes to provide additional opportunities for bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus, and white crappie Pomoxis annularis. The UFC lakes are stocked with hybrid sunfish and channel catfish, averaging 152 kg/ha, with a total of 26,771 kg since 1978, and offer fishing program opportunities from April through October. In 2007, UFP lakes consist of 20 sportfish and six UFC lakes, totaling 30.1 hectares. All sportfish and most UFC lakes are partner-owned and located in municipal parks. Annual fishing pressure ranges from 439 to 12,019 h/ha and averages 109,470 trips/ year. Over 48,000 children and therapeutic patients have attended UFC since their inception; however, UFC impacts to angler recruitment and knowledge of aquatic conservation are unknown. So, a new program, GO FISH! was launched in 2007.

Download Full-text