Biology and Physiology of Feeding in Adult Lampreys

1980 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1751-1761 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Farmer
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Maximum Growth ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Food Material ◽  
Sea Lampreys ◽  
Host Mortality ◽  
Host Fishes

Although landlocked sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) attack all but a few of the smallest teleosts in the Great Lakes, the large cold-water species have received the most predation. Information on the feeding habits of anadromous lampreys is limited, but they probably are not specific in their choice of hosts. Species differences exist in the relative proportions of blood and muscle tissue which are consumed. The landlocked sea lamprey primarily feeds on the blood of host fishes at rates of 3–30% of its wet body weight∙d−1 (10 °C). The estimated gross conversion efficiency for this species feeding ad libitum at 10 °C is 39%. This relatively high efficiency is partly attributable to the nature of their blood diet which results in small fecal energy losses of about 3.4% of intake energy. Maximum growth rates occur at 20 °C for sea lampreys of 10–30 g initial weight and at 15 °C for lampreys of 30–90 g. At all experimental temperatures (5–20 °C), growth rates decline with increases in lamprey weight. Increases in sea lamprey weight and in water temperature up to 20 °C cause the rate of host mortality to rise suggesting that, under natural conditions, mortality is seasonal. Landlocked sea lampreys show a preference for specific areas on their hosts, select larger hosts more frequently, and are not attracted to hosts that have lampreys feeding on them. Such strategies serve to maximize food intake and prolong host survival while ensuring food material of constant energy content.Key words: adult lampreys, feeding, hosts, growth rate, temperature, host mortality, behavior

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.

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

Growth potential and host mortality of the parasitic phase of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in Lake Superior

2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (10) ◽  
pp. 2343-2353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey C Jorgensen ◽  
James F Kitchell
Keyword(s):  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Pacific Salmon ◽  
Lake Superior ◽  
Petromyzon Marinus ◽  
Maximum Size ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Sea Lampreys ◽  
Host Mortality

Landlocked Lake Superior sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) cause a significant but uncertain amount of mortality on host species. We used a sea lamprey bioenergetics model to examine the scope of host sizes vulnerable to death as a consequence of sea lamprey feeding and incorporated the bimodal lake-ward migration of parasitic sea lampreys. At their peak feeding rate and maximum size (P = 1.0, proportion of maximum consumption), spring migrants were capable of killing lean lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) hosts ≤ 2.0 kg, which was larger than fall migrants (1.8 kg). Spring migrants feeding on Pacific salmon (coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)) killed hosts ≤ 2.0 kg, but fall migrants killed hosts as large as 2.8 kg. Although there is no direct empirical evidence, bioenergetics modeling suggests that it is plausible that some of the largest sea lampreys in Lake Superior spent more than one summer as parasites. Two-summer parasites readily attained sizes of sea-run adult anadromous sea lampreys and killed hosts from 3 to >5.5 kg in size. The maximum upper limit number of 2-kg hosts killed by two-summer parasites was nearly twice that of one-summer parasites.

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

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

Reassessment of Maximum Growth Rates for C3 and C4 Crops

1978 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Monteith
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Maximum Growth ◽  
Maximum Growth Rate ◽  
Crop Growth ◽  
Close Inspection ◽  
Similar Difference ◽  
Photosynthetic Efficiencies

SUMMARYFigures for maximum crop growth rates, reviewed by Gifford (1974), suggest that the productivity of C3 and C4 species is almost indistinguishable. However, close inspection of these figures at source and correspondence with several authors revealed a number of errors. When all unreliable figures were discarded, the maximum growth rate for C3 stands fell in the range 34–39 g m−2 d−1 compared with 50–54 g m−2 d−1 for C4 stands. Maximum growth rates averaged over the whole growing season showed a similar difference: 13 g m−2 d−1 for C3 and 22 g m−2 d−1 for C4. These figures correspond to photosynthetic efficiencies of approximately 1·4 and 2·0%.

scholarly journals <sup>210</sup>Pb-<sup>226</sup>Ra chronology reveals rapid growth rate of <i>Madrepora oculata</i> and <i>Lophelia pertusa</i> on world's largest cold-water coral reef

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 1253-1265 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Sabatier ◽  
J.-L. Reyss ◽  
J. M. Hall-Spencer ◽  
C. Colin ◽  
N. Frank ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Coral Reef ◽  
Metal Oxides ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Lophelia Pertusa ◽  
Fe Oxide ◽  
Oxide Contamination ◽  
Water Coral

Abstract. Here we show the use of the 210Pb-226Ra excess method to determine the growth rate of two corals from the world's largest known cold-water coral reef, Røst Reef, north of the Arctic circle off Norway. Colonies of each of the two species that build the reef, Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata, were collected alive at 350 m depth using a submersible. Pb and Ra isotopes were measured along the major growth axis of both specimens using low level alpha and gamma spectrometry and trace element compositions were studied. 210Pb and 226Ra differ in the way they are incorporated into coral skeletons. Hence, to assess growth rates, we considered the exponential decrease of initially incorporated 210Pb, as well as the increase in 210Pb from the decay of 226Ra and contamination with 210Pb associated with Mn-Fe coatings that we were unable to remove completely from the oldest parts of the skeletons. 226Ra activity was similar in both coral species, so, assuming constant uptake of 210Pb through time, we used the 210Pb-226Ra chronology to calculate growth rates. The 45.5 cm long branch of M. oculata was 31 yr with an average linear growth rate of 14.4 ± 1.1 mm yr−1 (2.6 polyps per year). Despite cleaning, a correction for Mn-Fe oxide contamination was required for the oldest part of the colony; this correction corroborated our radiocarbon date of 40 yr and a mean growth rate of 2 polyps yr−1. This rate is similar to the one obtained in aquarium experiments under optimal growth conditions. For the 80 cm-long L. pertusa colony, metal-oxide contamination remained in both the middle and basal part of the coral skeleton despite cleaning, inhibiting similar age and growth rate estimates. The youngest part of the colony was free of metal oxides and this 15 cm section had an estimated a growth rate of 8 mm yr−1, with high uncertainty (~1 polyp every two to three years). We are less certain of this 210Pb growth rate estimate which is within the lowermost ranges of previous growth rate estimates. We show that 210Pb-226Ra dating can be successfully applied to determine the age and growth rate of framework-forming cold-water corals if Mn-Fe oxide deposits can be removed. Where metal oxides can be removed, large M. oculata and L. pertusa skeletons provide archives for studies of intermediate water masses with an up to annual time resolution and spanning over many decades.

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