The dispersal of smelt, Oserus mordax (Mitchill), in the Great Lakes region
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Great Lakes↗
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The food of the lake trout (Cristivomer namaycush namaycush) and of the lawyer (Lota maculosa) of Lake Michigan
This paper reports on a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the contents of 4,979 lake trout stomachs (593 examined in 1930 and 1,253 collected in 1931 from southern Lake Michigan, 1,446 from northern Lake Michigan and 1,687 from Green Bay in 1932), and of a total of 1,528 lawyer stomachs (172 examined in 1930 and 734 collected in 1931 from southern Lake Michigan, 612 from northern Lake Michigan and 10 from Green Bay in 1932). The food of the trout consisted of 98 per cent by volume of fish of which Cottidae and Coregonidae were the principal constituents. Cottidae were dominant in southern Lake Michigan (72 per cent by volume), Coregonidae in northern Lake Michigan (51 per cent) but the lake shiner, Notropis atherinides, was most important in Green Bay in the spring of the year (64 per cent). The lawyer food consisted of 74 per cent by volume of fish and 26 per cent invertebrates. Dominant items were Cottidae (76 per cent by volume) in southern Lake Michigan, Coregonidae (51 per cent) and Pontoporeia (37 per cent) in northern Lake Michigan, and Percopsis (34 per cent) and Mysis (26 per cent) in Green Bay. Data are also presented on the frequency of occurrence (number of stomachs) of the food items and its variation with the sizes of the trout and lawyers, depths of water, seasons, and localities; on the number of individual fish of each species destroyed by the trout and lawyers; and on the calculated volume of the food fishes preceding digestion. The lake trout and lawyer are competitors for the same food, are both predators of the commercially important Coregonidae, and the lawyer through its consumption of invertebrates is a food competitor of the Coregonidae.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
The age, growth, and feeding habits of the whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis (Mitchell), of Lake Champlain
This study is based on 120 whitefish collected in northern Lake Champlain (Missisquoi Bay) in 1930 and on 175 whitefish taken in southern Lake Champlain in 1931. Since the whitefish population had not been exploited commercially after 1912 in United States waters and after 1915 in Canadian waters, its study should be of interest in showing the characteristics of a population practically untouched by man. Data have been presented on length frequencies, age composition, growth, coefficient of condition, sex ratio, standard length-total length relationship, and feeding habits. The data indicated that the Missisquoi Bay population was disturbed (probably by the early fall seining of 1930) before our samples were taken so that the original length distributions no longer existed. The southern Lake Champlain material, however, showed a consistency which indicated that the population had not been exploited to any extensive degree, if at all. When the northern population was compared with the southern the former was found to differ from the latter in the following respects, which differences pointed to some disturbance of the northern stock in the lake 1. By possession of lower modes and smaller grand averages of length. 2. By absence of very old individuals. 3. By absence of a series of equally abundant age groups or, in other words, by the presence of a decided dominance of one or two age groups. 4. By a radical disagreement between the sexes in their age-frequency distribution. 5. By a disagreement between the sexes with respect to maximum lengths attained. All of the differences between the two collections could, however, not be attributed to exploitation. The following characteristics indicated the presence of two distinct populations in the lake 1. Presence of a spawning ground at each end of the lake. 2. Differences in calculated lengths and increments of length (growth rates). 3. Differences in the actual lengths and weights of corresponding age groups at capture. 4. Differences in the coefficient of condition and the length-weight relationship. The discovery of the presence of apparently two separate populations of whitefish in Lake Champlain was wholly unexpected by us.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Notes on Myxobolus inoratus , n sp, a Myxosporidian, parasitic in the black bass ( Huro floridana , Le Sueur)
A largemouth black bass fingerling preserved in formalin was sent to the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries Pathology Laboratory at Seattle, Washington, during the autumn of 1937, by a hatchery employee at Miles City, Montana. The fish exhibited several wart-like protuberances on the caudal peduncle, which aroused the curiosity of Mr. H. C. Topel, in charge of fish distribution at Miles City. He had observed the gradually increasing numbers of these lesions on the fish at this station for several years previous to 1937. Mr. Topel estimated that in 1937, 20 per cent of the adult bass were infected at the time of distribution, and lesions were noted on the fingerling and yearling stock as well.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Simplified methods for the prolonged treatment of fish diseases
The prevention or control of epidemics of fish diseases by applying a disinfecting solution in a uniform concentration directly to the water supply of a fish pond or trough for a definite period of time has been exceedingly slow in development. In so far as can be determined, the original idea should be credited to. Marsh and Robinson (1910). In their work on the control of algae in fish ponds by the continuous application of dilute copper sulphate solution, administered to the inflowing water supply by means of a floating syphon, they suggested this method as a possibility in the treatment of fish diseases. Following their work, this commendable idea seems to have remained quite dormant and apparently forgotten until Hess (1930) revived it twenty or more years later. This worker found that a prolonged immersion in a dilute disinfecting bath was more efficacious in remowng fluke parasites from goldfish than was the customary short "hand dip" method. Kingsbury and Embody (1932) later adapted the idea of a prolonged treatment to running water by the use of a float valve for maintaining a constant level in a reservoir, resulting in a constant flow to the pond or trough to be treated. Shortly thereafter, Fish (1933) modified the floating syphon of Marsh and Robinson, as it was a simpler apparatus than that of Kingsbury and Embody.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Scyphidia micropteri, a new protozoan parasite of largemouth and smallmouth black bass
A small urn‐shaped peritrichous protozoan, apparently an undescribed species, was found on the gills and bodies of largemouth and smallmouth black bass in ponds at Leetown, West Virginia. A heavy mortality among a lot of fingerling largemouth bass probably resulted from suffocation due to the organisms on the gills. Specimens of the parasite, preserved in formalin, measured about 57 microns in length and 24 microns in maximum width. The base of the animal consists of a circular disc about 6 microns in diameter. No evidence was found that the sucker‐like attachment disc penetrated the epidermal cells of the host causing necrotic tissue. The anterior or upper end of the animal has a ciliary disc and two rows of cilia. The body is without cilia and is annulared. The macronucleus is very large, has the shape of an inverted cone and occupies much of the lower half of the body. The small micronucleus apparently lies in the slightly concave surface of the upper part of the macronucleus, although there is doubt on this point. This new species was named Scyphidia micropteri after Micropterus, the generic name of the smallmouth black bass, one of its hosts. The species recently was found by Dr. H. S. Davis on gills of largemouth black bass collected in Radnor Lake, Tennessee, which indicates a wide geographical distribution of the parasite.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Neascus infection of black-head, blunt-nosed, and other forage minnows
Black‐head, blunt‐nosed, and other minnows were found infested with encysted flatworms in ponds at Leetown, West Virginia. The mortality in a 2.2‐acre pond stocked with 100,000 black‐head minnows was about 250 per day during four weeks of observation. Heavy infestations caused sterility in the minnows. The cyst and parasite are described briefly and the probable life cycle given, followed by certain recommendations for the control of the infestation.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Tagging experiments with lake trout, whitefish, and other species of fish from Lake Michigan
A total of 2,902 Lake Michigan fish was tagged and released, 48.8 per cent of which were lake trout and 85 per cent lake trout, lake herring, and whitefish. A total of 388 fish or 13.4 per cent was recaptured. The percentages of returns indicated a tremendous fishing intensity for lake trout, whitefish, and sturgeon. About 81 per cent of the recaptured fish were retaken within a radius of 25 miles from the port of tagging (Port Washington, Wisconsin). Lake trout, rainbow trout, and sturgeon were found to be extensive travelers; lake herring, whitefish, chubs, pilots, and perhaps perch did not migrate so extensively. Lake trout, herring, and whitefish tended to move in a northerly direction, perch in a southerly, and rainbow trout in all easterly, toward the Michigan shore. Sturgeon apparently roam all over the lake. Fifty-three per cent of the recovered lake trout were recaptured within one year of release, 73 per cent within 25 miles from Port Washington. It required three years for the trout to become fairly well scattered throughout the lake. With the attainment of adulthood lake trout moved in all directions from the port of release, although nearly 50 per cent of the adults were retaken within 25 miles from this port. Fish moved across state boundaries. Data are given on the growth and estimated age of the tagged lake trout, rainbow trout, whitefish, and sturgeon. The minimum size limits of lake trout and whitefish on the Great Lakes are economically unsound–they are too low–because they permit the capture of these species at a time of most rapid increase in weight.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
An evaluation of trout culture
In an evaluation of the efficiency of trout culture, the author presents a detailed analysis of complete loss records from 288 individual lots of trout at twenty-two hatcheries in the western United States. Summarized data are given to show the percentage loss of eggs, fry, and fingerlings by progressive one-half inch size groups. The accumulative percentage loss is also included to indicate the losses, under average hatchery conditions, between the egg stage and each successive size-group. These data cover the individual species of trout commonly reared in hatcheries; summarized data are given also for all species combined. A brief discussion of hatchery losses, natural losses, and the cost of artificial propagation is included.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Experiments upon the control of Trichodiniasis of salmonid fishes by the prolonged recirculation of formalin solutions
In a search for more effective disinfectants to combat parasitic diseases of hatchery fish, the authors report results from a series of experiments designed to determine the toxicity of varying exposures to concentrations of formalin, sodium p‐phenolsulphonate, ammonium sulphate, and sodium benzoate. Non‐toxic concentrations of these disinfectants were tested, in addition to the usual hatchery methods of salt treatment and hand dipping in copper sulphate and acetic acid solutions, on No. 1 brook trout fingerlings which had been experimentally infected with the protozoan parasite Trichodina sp. (previously known as Cyclochaeta sp.). Of the disinfectants tested, only formalin completely removed all parasites. Salt treatment in a 5 per cent solution, by weight, as well as hand dipping in 1:500 acetic acid, failed to eradicate all parasites present, although a marked reduction in their numbers did occur. The hand dipping in a 1:2,000 copper sulphate solution was found to be without practical value for the removal of parasites. The authors recommend a prolonged treatment for sixty minutes by recirculating a 1:4,000 solution of formalin, or, where circumstances permit, a 120‐ to 150‐minute exposure to a 1:6,000 concentration of formalin, as the most effective, most economical, and least toxic treatments for combating infections of Trichodina sp., and presumably those of other external parasites as well, among hatchery fish.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Age, growth, and production of the yellow perch, Perca flavescens (Mitchill), of Saginaw Bay
Ages were determined and individual growth histories computed from the examination and measurement of scales from 820 yellow perch collected in 1929 and 1930. Calculated lengths greater than 101 millimeters were computed on the assumption (supported by empirical data) that the ratio of body length to scale length is constant. Lengths below 101 millimeters were determined with the aid of an empirical curve of the body-scale relationship of small fish. Yellow perch of age-groups III and IV (in the fourth and fifth years of life) made up the bulk of the collection (78 per cent). Females grew slightly more rapidly than males, but members of both sexes attained the legal length of 8 1/2 inches during the fourth year of life, just as they were entering on the period of most rapid growth in weight. The greatest growth in weight of both sexes occurred in the sixth year of life. In the combined samples of the two years the females exceeded the males in abundance in the ratio, 296:100. The weight of the Saginaw Bay yellow perch was found to increase as the 3.117 power of the length. The relative length of the tail decreased with increase in the length of the fish. The Saginaw Bay yellow perch is now far less abundant than it was in the early years of the fishery. The average annual production of 548,000 pounds over the period, 1917-1938, was only 28 per cent of the earlier (1891-1916) "normal" annual production of 1,961,000 pounds. A detailed analysis of statistical data available for more recent years made possible a description of annual fluctuations in the abundance and production of yellow perch and in the intensity of the yellow perch fishery in Saginaw Bay over the period, 1929-1938.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
A new fungus disease of trout
A new species of fungus, for which time name Saprolegnia invaderis is proposed, was found in fingerling trout at the Leetown (West Virginia) hatchery. Infection occurs through the alimentary tract from which the fungus grows out through the body cavity and the abdominal wall to the exterior, where zoospores and chlamydospores are formed. Growth of the hyphae through the abdominal wall occurs only after the death of the host. A short technical description of the parasite is included.
West Virginia↗
Notes on Costia Necatrix
Costiasis, or the disease produced by the flagellated protozoan ectoparasite, Costia necatrix, is of considerable importance in the artificial propagation of both warm- and cold-water fishes. In spite of its importance, costiasis seldom is accurately diagnosed probably because of the extremely small size and sedentary nature of the causative organism. A general resume of the specific diagnostic characteristics, pathology, and recommended measures for the prevention and control of Costia necatrix are presented. The application of available information concerning the parasite may eliminate effectively the losses of fish in hatcheries occasioned by it.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Relationship between plantings of fry and production of whitefish in Lake Erie
An attempt was made to substantiate the repeated assertions of the commercial fishermen on the Great Lakes and of others that there was a direct causal relationship between the plantings of whitefish fry and subsequent catch. The records of whitefish fry plantings in Lake Erie during the years, 1920–1937, were correlated with those of catch during the period, 1923–1940. No causal relationship could be demonstrated between the two sets of data. Whitefish production in Lake Erie is not dependent on or noticeably affected by the planting of fry.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Growth of the rock bass, Ambloplites rupestris (Rafinesque), in five lakes of northeastern Wisconsin
The forms of the growth curves of rock bass from four lakes in northeastern Wisconsin with medium-hard to hard water bore a general resemblance to each other, but differed sharply from the curve for rock bass from a lake with extremely soft water. With the exception of a slight increase in growth in the third year of life the annual increments of length of the rock bass of Nebish Lake (4.0 p.p.m. of bound CO 2 ) tended to decrease consistently beyond the first year. The good first-year growth in length of rock bass of Allequash, Silver, and Trout Lakes (16.8, 15.0, and 18.7 p.p.m., respectively, of bound CO 2 ) was followed by poor growth in the second, third, and fourth years of life. This poor growth was followed in turn by good growth in the fifth and sixth years. The annual increments of length tended to decline beyond the sixth year of life. The growth of rock bass of Muskellunge Lake (10.0 p.p.m. of bound CO 2 ) declined sharply in the second year of life. The annual increments of length were fairly constant in the second to seventh years, inclusive, but declined beyond the seventh year. In each lake the males grew more rapidly than the females. The time of attainment of the legal total length of 7 inches in the different lakes ranged from late in the sixth growing season in Nebish and Trout Lakes to the middle of the eighth growing season in Muskellunge Lake. Rock bass of corresponding length from Allequash, Silver, and Trout Lakes were so nearly of the same weight that one curve described the length-weight relationship of the three stocks. Muskellunge Lake rock bass were considerably lighter than fish of the same length from these three lakes, and Nebish Lake rock bass were somewhat lighter than those from Muskellunge Lake.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
The age, growth, and bathymetric distribution of Reighard's chub, Leucichthys reighardi koelz, in Lake Michigan
Reighard's chub has come to be one of the most important species of the group since the serious decline in abundance of the larger representatives of the genus Leucichthys in Lake Michigan. An understanding of the biology of as many species of chubs as possible is essential if further depletion and the collapse of the fishery are to be prevented. The age and growth of 331 individuals taken in 1932 were determined. Each of the other phases of the study is based on more than 5,000 specimens collected during the three years, 1930–1932. Reighard's chub occurred most abundantly, when not spawning, in depths of 20 to 60 fathoms where the temperature of the water ranged from 38.8 to 40.6° F. It was taken at all depths where the nets were set from 12 to 97 fathoms, and in water that varied from 34.7 to 50.6° F. The abundance on the east shore was seven times that on the west shore and between two and three times that in the upper part of the lake. The data indicate the existence of separate populations on the two shores. The greater exploitation with smaller meshes in the western part of the lake probably accounts for the relative scarcity in those waters. Ecological factors are considered the probable cause of the lesser abundance in the upper lake. Spawning occurs during May and June at depths of 20 to 79 fathoms, over a wide variety of bottom materials at temperatures of 38.8 to 40.5° F. Age-group IV dominated in the samples of fish whose ages were determined and made up 50.2 per cent of the total. Age-groups V and III were the next largest groups in that order. Growth in length was most rapid during the first year of life. Growth in weight was most rapid during the first three years with the annual increment in weight about the same in each of those years. The sexes grew in both length and weight at approximately the same rate. Growth compensation occurs in the reighardi of Lake Michigan, but the first year differences were not removed entirely by the time of capture in the fifth year. The weight of the fish in the combined samples increased as the 2.468 power of the length. No relationship between condition (K) and rate of growth could be demonstrated. Condition (K) was better in 1931 than in either 1930 or 1932 and usually was better in 1930 than in 1932. The seasonal changes in relative heaviness followed the same general trend irrespective of the sex or stage of maturity of the fish. The females lost 8 per cent of their weight in spawning, but no loss of weight could be demonstrated for the males. The females were always strongly dominant in the samples except during May and June 1931 and May 1932 when the sexes occurred in about equal numbers. The relative abundance of the sexes did not change materially in age-groups II to V. There were no males assigned to age-groups VI and VII.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Scyphidia tholiformis, a peritrichous protozoan found on the gills and external surfaces of Micropterus dolomieu and Micropterus salmoides
Scyphidia tholiformis is an urn‐shaped peritrichous protozoan measuring about 59 microns in length and 35 microns in width. It possesses a double row of cilia about one‐third of the distance from the anterior end of the body and has a large scopula which is variable in shape and provides a large surface for attachment. The macronucleus is long and band‐like, and makes a semicircle beneath the peristome from which it extends into the lower part of the body. The small, ovoid micronucleus is located near the middle of the body. The organism is found on the external body surfaces and the gills of large‐mouth and smallmouth black bass. Its relationship to its host is probably that of an ecto‐commensal, but there is further evidence that these organisms may indirectly cause mortality among bass. The organism is interesting because of the manner in which it becomes dome‐shaped when it leaves its host, causing it to resemble Trichodina. In this form, locomotion is accomplished by means of the central cilia. It reproduces by longitudinal binary fission and cojugation of anisogametes.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗
Observations on the natural and artificial propagation of the smallmouth black bass, Micropterus dolomieu
Counts of smallmouth black bass nests in the same sections of the South Branch of the Potomac, the Cacapon, and the Shenandoah Rivers are reported over a period of several seasons. The 4‐year record for the South Branch of the Potomac indicates little change in the smallmouth black bass population. The number of nests varied between 50.7 and 73.2 and averaged 58.1 for each mile of stream. The results of fry counts from wild nests showed an average of 2,159 fry in each nest in the South Branch of the Potomac, 2,210 in the Cacapon River, and 1,998 in the Shenandoah River. One important characteristic of natural propagation in these rivers is the simultaneous occurrence of spawning in any section of stream having similar conditions. Evidence is supplied to support the theory that a long, drawn‐out spawning season in artificial ponds is due to annoyance of the brood fish. The importance of attendance by the male fish at the nest is pointed out. Examples in pond culture are given to demonstrate that there are other factors involved in the spawning of smallmouth black bass besides temperature. These factors are annoyance, over‐crowding of the brood fish, and lack of provision for greater individual privacy among the brood bass during their spawning season. In general, productivity of fry apparently increases with age and size of the brood fish.
Maryland↗