Comparative Learning Ability of Selected Fishes

1985 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 791-796 ◽  
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.

Conservation, Ecology, and Management of Catfish: The Second International Symposium

2011 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Morphology ◽  
Ictalurus Punctatus ◽  
Channel Catfish ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Sound Production ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Lepomis Macrochirus ◽  
Choice Situation ◽  
Forward Movement ◽  
Pectoral Spine

<em>Abstract</em>.—We have been examining proximate (functional morphology) and ultimate factors (survival from predation) relating to the pectoral spine in channel catfish <em>Ictalurus punctatus</em>. 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 <em>Micropterus salmoides</em> 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 <em>Lepomis macrochirus</em> 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.

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

2008 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Ictalurus Punctatus ◽  
Channel Catfish ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
White Male ◽  
Lepomis Macrochirus ◽  
Community Fisheries ◽  
Catch Rates

<em>Abstract.-</em>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 <em>Oncorhynchus mykiss</em>, channel catfish <em>Ictalurus punctatus</em>, largemouth bass <em>Micropterus salmoides</em>, and hybrid bluegill <em>Lepomis macrochirus </em>x <em>L. cyanellus</em>. 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.

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

2008 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ictalurus Punctatus ◽  
Channel Catfish ◽  
Salmo Trutta ◽  
Kansas City ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Lepomis Macrochirus ◽  
Annual Fish ◽  
Natural Reproduction ◽  
Commercial Sources ◽  
Community Fisheries

<em>Abstract.-</em>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 <em>Cyprinus carpio</em>, channel catfish <em>Ictalurus punctatus</em>, hybrid sunfish <em>Lepomis macrochirus </em>x <em>L. cyanellus</em>, brown trout <em>Salmo trutta</em>, and rainbow trout <em>Oncorhynchus mykiss </em>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 <em>Lepomis macrochirus</em>, largemouth bass <em>Micropterus salmoides</em>, redear sunfish <em>Lepomis microlophus</em>, and white crappie <em>Pomoxis annularis</em>. 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.

Quantitative comparisons of the morphology and ultrastructure of erythrocyte nuclei from seven freshwater fish species

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (10) ◽  
pp. 1951-1959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles H. Jagoe ◽  
Dave A. Welter
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Lepomis Macrochirus ◽  
Nuclear Size ◽  
Image Analysis System ◽  
Cell Nuclei ◽  
Homogeneous Population ◽  
Differentiated Cells ◽  
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss

Chromosome number and genomic DNA content vary widely among fish species, and ploidy can vary within species. This suggests that the size, shape, and morphological features of cell nuclei may also vary. Nucleated erythrocytes of fish are an easily sampled homogeneous population of differentiated cells ideal for inter- and intra-species comparisons. We collected blood samples from largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), chain pickerel (Esox niger), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), redeye bass (Micropterus coosae), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and removed cytoplasm and nuclear membranes from blood cells. Individual nuclei were examined and measured using scanning electron microscopy and a computerized image analysis system, and inter- and intra-species differences evaluated by nested analysis of variance. Nuclear size and shape varied significantly among species. Isolated nuclei had conspicuous apertures or holes, and the number and size of these holes also varied significantly among species. Variations in nuclear size and structure within species were small compared with interspecies differences. Little is known of the ultrastructure of erythrocyte nuclei in lower vertebrates, but their structure differs considerably from that of other vertebrate non-erythroid cells, suggesting that the organization of their DNA and associated proteins may be different.

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

1978 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-160 ◽  
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

An Experimental Study of Consumption of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus by Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides when Alternative Prey Are Available

Copeia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward N. Sismour ◽  
Shelley C. Nellis ◽  
Scott H. Newton ◽  
D'arcy Mays ◽  
Michael L. Fine
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Ictalurus Punctatus ◽  
Channel Catfish ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Alternative Prey

Rates and components of carbon turnover in fish muscle: insights from bioenergetics models and a whole-lake 13C addition

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian C. Weidel ◽  
Stephen R. Carpenter ◽  
James F. Kitchell ◽  
M. Jake Vander Zanden
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Lepomis Macrochirus ◽  
Fish Muscle ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Carbon Turnover ◽  
Turnover Rates ◽  
Aquatic Communities ◽  
Tissue Replacement

Stable isotopes are widely employed to describe energy flow in aquatic communities, though interpretation of results can be confounded by the fact that organisms integrate over vastly different time scales. We used results from a 56-day whole-lake 13C addition and a bioenergetic modeling approach to estimate dorsal muscle carbon turnover rates in a natural setting for three sizes of bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ), largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ), and yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ). Generally, dynamic δ13C models with a metabolic tissue replacement term were better supported than models predicting isotopic change from growth alone, except when relative growth rates were highest (age 0 bluegill). Across species and size classes, the percentage of carbon change due to tissue replacement was variable (2%–80%) and independent of fish size. The half-life of δ13C in age 0 fishes was similar and ranged from 8 to 18 days. In contrast, adult tissue half-lives were much longer (116–173 days). Based on these and previously published estimates, fish mass (g) was a strong predictor of fish carbon turnover rates, λ: log(λ) = –3.65 – 0.20 log(mass), r2 = 0.71.

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

1974 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-354 ◽  
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.

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