Influence of Water Temperature on the Growth Rate of the Landlocked Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and the Associated Rate of Host Mortality

1977 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 1373-1378 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Farmer ◽  
F. W. H. Beamish ◽  
P. F. Lett
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Great Lakes ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Instantaneous Growth ◽  
Exponential Decline ◽  
Influence Of Water ◽  
Host Mortality

Groups of sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) of 10–90 g initial weight were held at temperatures of 1–20 °C for 30 days and allowed to feed ad lib. on white suckers (Catostomus commersoni). Increases in water temperature and in lamprey size caused the rate of host mortality to increase in agreement with observations that mortality in the Great Lakes is seasonal. Instantaneous growth rates were maximal at 20 °C for lampreys of 10–30 g, the optimal temperature for growth shifting to 15 °C for larger lampreys of 30–90 g. Growth rates were intermediate at 10 °C and lowest at 4 °C for lampreys of all size. Accordingly, host mortality increased with temperature over the 4–20 °C range. At all experimental temperatures, increases in lamprey weight were accompanied by an exponential decline in instantaneous growth rates, a phenomenon also observed for teleosts. Laboratory growth rates at temperatures of 5–15 °C were comparable to rates observed for lampreys in Lake Huron between April and November and agree with the observation that lampreys feed in deeper waters between April and June before moving to warmer, shallower waters during the summer when growth rate increases. Key words: sea lamprey, white sucker, host, temperature, growth, Great Lakes, mortality

Bioenergetics Model and Foraging Hypothesis for Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

1980 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 2159-2168 ◽  
Author(s):  
James F. Kitchell ◽  
James E. Breck
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Fish Mortality ◽  
Feeding Rates ◽  
Mortality Pattern ◽  
Bioenergetics Model ◽  
Host Mortality ◽  
Host Fishes ◽  
The Impact

A bioenergetics model for growth of lamprey during the parasitic phase was used to estimate food consumption by lampreys and the impact of lamprey feeding on host fishes. Estimates are evaluated by application to several Great Lakes case histories. Temperature and size-dependence of feeding and respiration were sufficient to account for growth dynamics. The model demonstrates that distribution of host fishes, by determining the thermal history of the lamprey, has important effects on lamprey life history and host mortality. Modeled lamprey growth and feeding rates, relative to size of the host, predict a strongly seasonal host mortality rate peaking in autumn. The predicted mortality pattern corresponds with that of independently derived data. Principles of optimal foraging theory applied to lamprey yield a hypothesis that predicts highest wounding and scarring frequencies at intermediate lamprey: host abundance ratios. A second component of the hypothesis predicts seasonal changes in these frequencies as lamprey size increases. Growth rates of lamprey and their host species plus wounding and scarring frequencies are more sensitive indicators of changing abundance ratios and lamprey effects than population changes resulting from predation by lamprey.Key words: sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus; model, bioenergetics, growth, consumption, fish mortality, Great Lakes

Spawning Behavior and Fecundity of Lampreys from the Upper Three Great Lakes

1980 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1635-1640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick J. Manion ◽  
Lee H. Hanson
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Nest Construction ◽  
Spawning Behavior

Five species of lampreys are found in the upper three Great Lakes. All species require certain physical factors for successful spawning such as suitable bottom substrates, water velocities, and temperatures. Nest construction (usually started by males) and spawning behavior are similar although some differences exist. In sea lamprey an average spawning act lasts about 2–5 s and is repeated every 4–5 min; generally nesting is monogamous with little polyandrous nesting (1.2–5.0%); average egg production is about 60 000 eggs. An estimated 86% of the eggs of sea lamprey are not deposited in the nests; however, the fertilization and survival of eggs deposited in the nest is high and may approach 90%.Key words: Petromyzon marinus, Ichthyomyzon unicuspis, I. castaneus, I. fossor, Lampetra lamottei, spawning requirement, nest construction, fecundity, nest productivity, water temperature

Effects of Temperature on Metamorphosis and the Age and Length at Metamorphosis in Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes

1980 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1827-1834 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. A. Purvis
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Lake Superior ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Sea Lampreys ◽  
Effects Of Temperature ◽  
Slow Growing ◽  
Intermediate Rate

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) ammocoetes of known age were confined in three locations to determine the effects of temperature on the incidence of metamorphosis. Sixty ammocoetes were held in each of Lake Superior, the Big Garlic River, and in an aquarium at room temperature for each of 4 yr. The highest incidence of metamorphosis (75–100%) occurred at 20–21 °C (aquarium), an intermediate rate (46–76%) at 14–16 °C (Big Garlic River), and the lowest (5–10%) at 7–11 °C (Lake Superior). Density appeared to be the dominant factor in regulating the length of larval and transformed sea lampreys. Mean lengths of larval and transformed sea lampreys increased markedly after stream treatments with selective lampricides. Prediction of lengths at which metamorphosis occurs in re-established populations of sea lampreys is uncertain because of variability in growth rates. Initial metamorphosis in a year-class is dependent on growth rates of ammocoetes. Because of wide variation in growth rates, metamorphosis may begin at age III among fast-growing populations and not until age VII among slow-growing populations.Key words: Petromyzon marinus, sea lamprey; metamorphosis, age, length, Great Lakes

Factors Influencing the Distribution of Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes

1980 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1811-1826 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. H. Morman ◽  
D. W. Cuddy ◽  
P. C. Rugen
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Great Lakes Basin ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Sea Lampreys ◽  
Host Fishes ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Parasitic Phase

The sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is widely distributed in the Great Lakes but it is absent from or scarce in large parts of the watershed. Since 1957, larval sea lampreys have been detected in only 433 (7.5%) of the 5747 streams in the Great Lakes basin. Parasitic-phase sea lampreys range throughout the lakes, wherever suitable host fishes occur, but probably do not inhabit the western and central basins of Lake Erie to any great extent during summer. Many environmental conditions influence the distribution of sea lampreys. Streamflow and water temperature are of major importance in attracting spawning runs to streams. The dispersal of spawning adults within streams is influenced mainly by blockages, water temperature, current, bottom type, and the presence of inland lakes. Water temperature is probably the most important factor affecting the development and survival of embryos. The distribution of larval lampreys is limited primarily by barriers that block adult spawning runs, warm temperatures, low and unstable flows, hard stream bottom, and pollution; nonetheless, larvae have been found in a wide range of habitats exhibiting these conditions. Interconnecting waterways and attachment to fishes and boats are considered major factors in the lake movements of parasitic-phase lampreys.Key words: sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus; Great Lakes, geographic distribution, influences, movement, spawning, larvae, parasitic, control

Importance of Condition Factor and the Influence of Water Temperature and Photoperiod on Metamorphosis of Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus

1993 ◽  
Vol 50 (11) ◽  
pp. 2448-2456 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. Youson ◽  
J. A. Holmes ◽  
J. A. Guchardi ◽  
J. G. Seelye ◽  
R. E. Beaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Condition Factor ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Minimum Length ◽  
Experimental Animals ◽  
Influence Of Water

The incidence of metamorphosis of larval sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, was strongly affected by water temperature but not photoperiod. In a 1991 experiment, the development of metamorphosing animals in 13 °C water was retarded about 1 mo relative to animals metamorphosing at 21 °C and to a population from the Chippewa River, Michigan; the minimum length, weight, and condition factor (CF) of metamorphosing experimental animals were 117 mm, 2.8 g, and 1.50, respectively, and only 4% metamorphosed at 13 °C and 18.9% at 21 °C. In 1992, with a population from the Great Chazy River, New York, 66% of the animals at 13 °C and 84% at 21 °C metamorphosed. The higher incidence of metamorphosis in 1992 is partly related to the use of larvae that were larger than the minima established in 1991. We predicted, using criteria defined below, that 74 and 72% of the animals at 13 and 21 °C, respectively, would metamorphose. Our predictions were consistent with observations at 13 °C and for five of seven replicate tanks at 21 °C. We suggest that a presumptive metamorphosing sea lamprey in landlocked populations should be at least 120 mm long, weigh 3.0 g, and have a CF ≥ 1.50 and that these criteria must be used in conjunction.

Classification of Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Attack Marks on Great Lakes Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

1980 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1989-2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Everett Louis King Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Attachment Site ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Salvelinus Namaycush ◽  
Oral Disc ◽  
Field Assessment ◽  
Sea Lampreys

Criteria for the classification of marks inflicted by sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) into nine categories were developed from laboratory studies in an attempt to refine the classification system used in field assessment work. These criteria were based on characteristics of the attachment site that could be identified under field conditions by unaided visual means and by touching the attachment site. Healing of these marks was somewhat variable and was influenced by the size of lamprey, duration of attachment, severity of the wound at lamprey detachment, season and water temperature, and by other less obvious factors. Even under laboratory conditions staging of some wounds was difficult, especially at low water temperatures. If these criteria are to be used effectively and with precision in the field, close examination of individual fish may be required. If the feeding and density of specific year-classes of sea lampreys are to be accurately assessed on an annual basis, close attention to the wound size (as it reflects the size of the lamprey's oral disc) and character of wounds on fish will be required as well as consideration of the season of the year in which they are observed.Key words: sea lamprey, attack marks, lake trout, Great Lakes

Seasonal growth and duration of the parasitic life stage of the landlocked sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

1995 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 1257-1264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger A. Bergstedt ◽  
William D. Swink
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Sea Lampreys ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
Host Mortality

We used lengths and weights of 2367 live parasitic-phase sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) collected from Lake Huron, 1984–1990, to calculate their mean size at half-month intervals. Growth in weight was linear during June through September; increments averaged 11.1 g per half month. Growth increased sharply in October to several times the summer rate. We speculate that the increase in growth in October is explained partly by water temperature and partly by an increase in appetite related to the onset of gonadal development. The greater compression of biomass accumulation in autumn than has been previously demonstrated better explains the autumn pulse of sea lamprey induced host mortality. Based on the seasonal pattern of growth and on recaptures of marked sea lampreys, we conclude that landlocked individuals grow to adult size and mature in one parasitic growth year. Regressions of weight (grams) on total length (millimetres) differed significantly among months, and the season of collection must be considered in predicting weight from length.

Management inferences from a demographic analysis of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Laurentian Great Lakes

2008 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Antonio Vélez-Espino ◽  
Robert L McLaughlin ◽  
Thomas C Pratt
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Laurentian Great Lakes ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Vital Rates ◽  
Population Growth Rates

We use matrix models incorporating uncertainty in values of life history traits and density-dependent survival to assess pest management strategies implemented by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to control nonnative sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Laurentian Great Lakes. The primary method of sea lamprey control has been treatment of rearing tributaries with chemical lampricides, but release of sterilized males and deployment of migratory barriers and traps are important components of the management plan. Uncertainties in the effectiveness of alternative control remain, however. Our models demonstrated that the management target of reducing lampricide use by 20% while maintaining current levels of control could be achieved if alternative methods are used to suppress current lake-wide fecundity rates by 49%–65%, assuming equal lampricide efficiency on larvae and metamorphosing individuals, or by 42%–55% when lampricide mortality on larvae is assumed to be half of that on metamorphosing individuals. At current levels of lampricide use, reduction to 72%–88% of current fecundity rates is recommended to ensure long-term control of sea lamprey populations in the face of uncertainty in current estimates of population growth rates. New control options targeting additional vital rates, such as survival of the parasitic life stage, could further reduce reliance on lampricides while maintaining effective sea lamprey control.

scholarly journals Evaluating active genetic options for the control of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Laurentian Great Lakes

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (7) ◽  
pp. 1186-1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald E. Thresher ◽  
Michael Jones ◽  
D. Andrew R. Drake
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Public Support ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Genetic Technology ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
International Consultation ◽  
Core Issues

For more than two decades the Great Lakes Fishery Commission has sought tactics to complement, and potentially replace, the use of barriers and lampricides to control sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes, but thus far without success. This paper examines the potential of modern genetic technology to suppress these invasive populations. We identified six recombinant options that appeared to be moderately to highly feasible, most of which were judged by an expert panel as extremely low or low risk, and for which research and development was broadly supported by stakeholders. The two options judged to overall best combine high efficacy and low risks were a Mendelian “sex ratio drive” and genetically modifying a prey species combined with killing or sterilizing sea lamprey that fed on it. Core issues regarding use of genetic biocontrol in the Great Lakes include technical problems associated with maintaining a sea lamprey brood line, information gaps for most options, the extent of broader public support, and the extent and nature of national and international consultation required in making decisions about control options.

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