The diet of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, in Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake situated in the eastern rift valley of Kenya. Only five species of fish are present, all of which have been introduced. Of these, Oreochromis leucostictus, Tilapia zillii and Micropterus salmoides (largemouth black bass) support an important gillnet fishery with bass also being taken for sport. Until bass reached 260 mm f.l. they depended upon invertebrate food organisms. Thereafter crayfish, fish and frogs became increasingly important the larger the size of the bass. The most important invertebrate prey species was the water boatman, Micronecta scutellaris , followed by chironomid and culicid pupae. Zooplank-ton was consumed but only in large quantity by fish smaller than 80 mm. For bass over 260 mm the crayfish, Procambarus darkii , was the principal food. The largemouth bass in Lake Naivasha are generalized macro-predators, feeding principally on free-living animals of a kind most likely to be found in the littoral zones.     

Effects of sulphuric acid exposure on the behaviour of largemouth bass,Micropterus salmoides

Synopsis Young-of-the-year largemouth bass,Micropterus salmoides, were exposed to four concentrations of sulphuric acid (pH levels 7.2, 6.1, 4.8, and 3.7) for 30 days, and the frequencies of feeding acts and activity bouts, and time budgets were recorded. Juveniles at pH 6.1 and at pH 4.8 performed the two feeding acts, bites and orientations, more often, and spent more time feeding than bass at pH 7.2. Bass at pH 3.7, however, reduced feeding, and spent a significantly larger portion of their time hovering in the water column. Frequencies of comfort and agonistic acts increased with a decline in pH. Alterations of behavioural repertoires of young-of-the-year largemouth bass were useful indicators of sulphuric acid exposure.     

Considerations of blood parameters of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

To evaluate physiological stress resulting from environmental influences, a haematological study of a natural population of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides , was undertaken to establish a 'normal' blood profile. Several parameters including haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, plasma protein concentration and glucose levels were investigated. Haematocrit, haemoglobin, and total plasma protein were positively correlated with fish length. Haemoglobin and haematocrit were positively correlated with fish age while mean corpuscular haemoglobin, concentration was negatively correlated with fish age. Both haemoglobin and haematocrit values were related to erythrocyte counts.     

Scaling of in vivo muscle velocity during feeding in the largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (Centrarchidae)

Many vertebrates undergo large increases in body size over the course of a lifetime, and these increases are often accompanied by changes in morphological and physiological parameters. For instance, in most animals, increases in size with growth are accompanied by decreases in the maximum speed of shortening (V(max)) in locomotor muscles. Curiously, in muscles involved in suction feeding, V(max) shows no decreases with size in vitro, despite the fact that timing of kinematic events involved in suction feeding (e.g., time to peak gape) slow with increased size. The goal of this study was to examine whether muscular speed in vivo varies with size during suction feeding in the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The dorsal epaxial musculature of 10 individual bass (varying from 123 to 685 g and from 18.1 to 32.0 cm standard length [SL]) was implanted with sonometric crystals to measure muscle length during feeding on elusive prey (large goldfish). No relationship was found between the mean individual or maximum speed of shortening with mean individual log-transformed SL. However, mean magnitude of shortening and maximum shortening magnitude showed nonsignificant increases with SL ([Formula: see text] and 0.06, respectively). Average duration of shortening was found to increase with log-transformed SL. The size invariance of observed shortening velocity in the epaxial muscles during feeding may stem from size invariance of imposed loads during suction feeding. This is in contrast to what is normally seen in locomotor systems where loads on muscles often increase with body size.     

Predator-prey behaviour of fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas and largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides in a model ecosystem

The predator-prey behaviours displayed by largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides and fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas , were investigated. Fathead PRMOWS were subjected to predation by largemouth bass and observed in a model system that was designed to mimic a natural ecosystem. Anti-predator devices utilized by fathead minnows include schooling, surface swimming, formation of a circular aggregation, and seeking refuge under vegetation.     

The complete mitochondrial genomes of largemouth bass of the northern subspecies (Micropterus salmoides salmoides) and Florida subspecies (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) and their applications in the identification of largemouth bass species

The largemouth bass belongs to the family Centrarchidae, which includes two subspecies: the northern subspecies, Micropterus salmoides salmoides, and the Florida subspecies, Micropterus salmoides floridanus. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genomes of the two subspecies were sequenced, and their genetic differences were identified. The mitogenomes of M. s. salmoides and M. s. floridanus are 16,486 and 16,479?bp in length, respectively. The two subspecies consisted of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA, and 22 transfer RNA), which are typical for vertebrate mtDNA. Phylogenetic analysis provided statistical support for the monophyly of the family Centrarchidae. Comparison of the two subspecies' mitogenomes revealed a relatively high number (450) of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in protein-coding genes. We characterized SNPs in the partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene of different individuals from three cultured populations, one wild northern subspecies population, and one wild Florida subspecies population. Twenty-eight SNPs were fixed with alternative nucleotides in the two subspecies, which could be used for differentiating them. Based on this gene, phylogenetic tree and genetic distance analyses supported that cultured largemouth bass in China belongs to the northern subspecies.     

Hunting behavior of Florida largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides floridanus, in a channelized river

The distribution and behavior of Florida largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides floridanus, and their main prey (sunfish, genus Lepomis, and the cichlid Tilapia mariae) were studied in southern Florida to determine how fish behave in the simplified habitats found in channelized rivers. Time budgets were constructed from focal animal observations on 69 bass. Patterns of behavior associated with hunting were performed during a significantly higher proportion of the time when bass were in vegetated habitats. Scan samples of the behavior of 236 observed bass revealed that hunting was more common in areas of high structural complexity. Only 38% of observed bass were solitary, with the majority occurring in groups with either conspecifics or in mixed-species groups with similar sized bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus. Largemouth bass (n=1014) and sunfish (n=1372) were significantly more abundant in areas with vegetation and were almost entirely absent from the water column in the center of the canal. All species of fish avoided the water column, where currents were swift and no cover was available. The structure of the habitat appears to be important in the way largemouth bass organize their activity patterns. This suggests that habitat availability in channelized rivers significantly influences important behaviors such as hunting, thus potentially altering energy budgets and population dynamics of both predator and prey.     

Molecular characterization of a ranavirus isolated from largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides.

An iridovirus, isolated from largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides following a die-off among adult fish and provisionally designated largemouth bass virus (LMBV), was characterized by analysis of viral protein synthesis in infected cells, viral DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP), and sequence determination of the major capsid protein and viral DNA methyltransferase genes. All 3 approaches yielded results consistent with the suggestion that LMBV was a member of the genus Ranavirus. Moreover, LMBV was nearly identical to 2 isolates from Southeast Asia which had been previously detected in imported ornamental fish. It remains to be determined whether infection of largemouth bass resulted from exposure to an imported virus, or whether the presence of similar viruses in southeast Asia and the southeastern United States indicates that iridovirus species are not geographically limited as suggested earlier, but rather globally distributed.     

Observations on the ecology of Clinostomum marginatum in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Over a fifteen month period, beginning October, 1974, approximately 13 500 centrarchids were examined for evidence of infection with metacercaria of Clinostomum marginatum. Species checked included Lepomis macrochirus, L. gulosus, L. auritus, Pomoxis nigromaculatus and Micropterus salmoides. The study site was Par Pond (South Carolina, U.S.A.), an 1120 ha reservoir receiving thermal effluent from a nuclear production reactor. Except for the largemouth bass, M. salmoides , infection percentages among the five species were less than 1%. Among bass, infection varied seasonally, being highest from January to June. From the spring highs of approximately 25 %, the percentages dropped to lows of < 10% in July and August; there was a jump in September-October to another peak of 30% and then a steady decline through December when infection percentages were again less than 10%. Neither body condition nor length of the bass were related to infection percentage or metacercaria density. Infection percentage could not be related to the influence of thermal effluent. Infection percentages did vary from location to location within the Par Pond system. A significant rank correlation could be established between infection percentage and the amount of littoral zone present in the locality from which the bass were taken. It is suggested that the local 'bay effects' are the result of limited home and foraging ranges of the bass in relation to the amounts of littoral zone present in various locations of the reservoir.     

A successful population of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, in a subtropical lake in Mozambique

Sectioned otoliths were used for age and growth determination of the alien Micropterus salmoides from Lake Chicamba, a hydroelectric dam in central Mozambique. Marginal zone analysis showed that annulus formation occurred during winter in August and September. The maximum estimated age was 5 years. Growth was described by the 3 parameter von Bertalanffy model as L_t=465.51 (1 – e^{-1.175(t+0.009)}) mm FL. Juvenile growth rate was 23.1 mm per month during their first 7 months of life. The age at 100% maturity was 0.9 years, and spawning occurred during August and September. The juvenile fish fed sequentially on the most abundant prey items. Spawning occured before any of the indigenous fish species and so, there is little inter-specific competition. Conspecific juveniles formed the most important constituent in the adult M. salmoides diet from October to December when alternative prey was limited. The total annual mortality rate (Z) for the species in Lake Chicamba was 1.27 yr^-1, the mean empirical estimate of natural mortality (M) was 0.73 yr^-1, and fishing mortality (F) was calculated at 0.54 yr^-1. The success of M. salmoides in Lake Chicamba was attributed to limited inter-specific and intra-specific competition for prey as a consequence of the timing of the spawning, cannibalism and high mortality rates.     

Seasonal aspects of daily ration and diet of largemouth bass,Micropterus salmoides,with an evaluation of gastric evacuation rates

Synopsis Sample of stomach contents collected on 10 dates from May to October, 1978, were used to describe the diet and estimate the daily ration of subadult largemouth bass (primarily age-III fish) in Lake Rebecca, Minnesota. The method of Elliott & Persson (1978) was used to estimate daily ration. Data from sources in the literature were used to quantify gastric evacuation, which was found to be adequately described by an exponential decay model. The exponent of gastric evacuation increased exponentially with temperature. Seasonal changes in the diet with respect to composition, distribution of food among stomachs, and food particle size were reflected in the seasonal pattern of growth. Weight gain and the formation of scale annuli did not occur until the diet shifted from large bluegills and insects to age-0 largemouth bass and bluegills. Estimates of daily ration ranged from almost zero in mid-May and early June to over 5% in late August. The use of median weights of stomach contents was found to yield more meaningful estimates of the daily ration of individual bass than those based on means. Estimates based on medians were consistent with the observed pattern of growth and with information on maintenance rations and satiation levels. A growth-limiting lack of suitably-sized forage fish apparently occurred in the early part of the growing season.Paper Number 11,657, Scientific Journal Series, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, St. Paul, MN. 55108.     

Interaction of bass tapeworm, Proteocephalus ambloplitis, and Neoechinorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala) in largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

The number of plerocercoids of the bass tapeworm, Proteocephalus ambloplitis, in wild largemouth bass was negatively correlated (r = -0.94) with the number of Neoechinorhynchus sp. Competitive inhibition between the 2 parasites appeared to exist. Similarly, the numbers of Neoechinorhynchus sp. in wild bass decreased when adult bass tapeworms were present in the intestine. Proteocephalus ambloplitis plerocercoids used to challenge bass vaccinated with either P. ambloplitis adult or Neoechinorhynchus sp. antigens were smaller (P less than 0.05) when recovered than those used to challenge control bass. Based on preliminary results, both antigens might have enabled the bass to limit growth and/or development of the invading bass tapeworm, plerocercoids. Cross-protective immunity may be the reason for this occurrence, in which case, it could offer an explanation for competitive inhibition existing between P. ambloplitis and Neoechinorhynchus sp.     

Laboratory measurement of preferred body temperature of adult largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Preferred deep body temperatures of adult bass were determined in the laboratory using a horizontal temperature gradient and telemetry. The method used allowed continuous monitoring of body temperatures of adult bass in the gradient. The preferred temperature of adults (range = 27–32°C) was similar to preferenda reported earlier for sub-adults.     

Predation of Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, by largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, in experimental aquaria

 To test the size range of prey fish that largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, can successfully consume, live Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, were given as prey fish to individual largemouth bass in aquaria. The ratio of maximum standard length (SL) of the Japanese dace consumed by largemouth bass was 46–69% of bass SL. The maximum length of Japanese dace consumed did not differ significantly between largemouth bass and smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu) previously studied, although largemouth bass have relatively larger mouth sizes than smallmouth bass. Largemouth bass occasionally injured and killed Japanese dace larger than the limit that could be consumed.     

The growth of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede), under constant and fluctuating temperatures

Growth of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides , was tested under constant (15° C, 29° C) and cyclic (18 h at 15°C, 6 h at 29° C) temperature conditions. Six groups of 10 fish each were tested; one group under each constant condition, and four groups in the thermocycles. The four latter groups differed in the timing of their feeding; one group each was fed at the start and middle of the warm and cool periods, respectively. All groups were fed to near-satiation. The fish fed at the start of the warm cycle and start cool group grew most rapidly, followed by the constant warm, mid warm, mid cool, and constant cool groups. These data were evaluated in relation to vertical migrations of fish to test the physiological enhancements that may be important to vertical migrations. Apparently thermocycles allow more rapid consumption of food than constant cool conditions and lower metabolic rates than constant warm conditions, which allows some fish to grow more rapidly under thermocycles than under constant conditions at either extreme of the cycle. However, the timing of feeding in relation to temperature in the thermocycle is important in the degree of growth enhancement.     

Description of two new gill myxozoans from smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieu) and largemouth (Micropterus salmoides) bass

Two previously undescribed species of myxozoan parasites were observed in the gills of bass inhabiting the Potomac and James River basins. They are described using morphological characteristics and small-subunit (SSU) rDNA gene sequences. Both were taxonomically identified as new species of Myxobolus; Myxobolus branchiarum n. sp. was found exclusively in smallmouth bass, and Myxobolus micropterii n. sp. was found in largemouth and smallmouth bass. Small, spherical, white plasmodia of M. branchiarum from smallmouth bass were observed grossly in the gills; these plasmodia had an average length of 320.3 μm and width of 246.1 μm. The development of the plasmodia is intralamellar in the secondary lamellae of the gills. Mature spores were pyriform in shape with a length of 12.8 ± 1.4 (8.1-15.1) μm and width of 6.9 ± 1.1 (4.0-9.0) μm. Analysis of SSU rDNA identified M. branchiarum in a sister-group to 3 species of Henneguya , although morphologically caudal appendages were absent. Myxobolus micropterii observed in the gills of largemouth and smallmouth bass had larger, ovoid, cream-colored plasmodia with an average length of 568.1 μm and width of 148.1 μm. The cysts developed at the distal end of the gill filament within the primary lamellae. The mature spores were ovoid in shape with a length of 10.8 ± 0.7 (9.2-12.2) μm and width of 10.6 ± 0.6 (9.0-11.8) μm. SSU rDNA analysis placed M. micropterii in a sister group with Henneguya lobosa and Myxobolus oliveirai . The highest prevalence of M. branchiarum was observed in the gills of bass collected from the Cowpasture River (50.9%). Prevalence was 44.6% in bass from the Potomac River and only 4.3% in bass collected from the Shenandoah River. A seasonal study of M. branchiarum , which included both infected and uninfected smallmouth bass, determined that a significantly higher intensity was observed in the spring than in the summer (P < 0.001) or fall (P = 0.004). In an analysis excluding uninfected bass, a higher intensity was observed in the spring than in the summer (P = 0.001) or fall (P = 0.008). Prevalence and seasonal differences were not determined for M. micropterii .     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for Florida largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides floridanus, and other micropterids

We isolated and characterized 52 novel microsatellite markers from Florida largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides floridanus, for use in conservation, management and population genetic studies. Markers were assessed in M. s. floridanus from peninsular Florida (n = 30) and averaged eight alleles per locus with observed heterozygosity of 0.57 (range 0–0.97). Cross‐taxa amplification was successful among 88% of tested congeners. These polymorphic and potentially taxon‐diagnostic markers contribute to the limited number of microsatellites currently available for micropterids and specifically M. s. floridanus.     

The environmental basis of diet variation in pumpkinseed sunfish, Lepomis gibbosus, and largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, along an Iberian river basin

The diet composition of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, and pumpkinseed sunfish, Lepomis gibbosus, and its relation to environmental factors was studied in intermittent watercourses of the lower Guadiana basin (southern Iberia) during the particularly dry summer of 1994. Overall, both species took food items similar to those found in their North American and acclimatised ranges, with pumpkinseed consuming invertebrates (chiefly Chironomidae) and bass preying on invertebrates (chiefly Micronecta meridionalis) and fish (chiefly L. gibbosus and Gambusia holbrooki). Both bass and pumpkinseed were opportunistic feeders, feeding on the most frequent and abundant prey. However, Diptera larvae were apparently preferred by pumpkinseed and avoided by bass, while the contrary occurred with respect to Heteroptera. The two main fish prey of bass were eaten on the basis of random encounter. The relative abundance of macro-prey (i.e. fish and Atyephira desmarestii) were the principal environmental variables constraining bass dietary variation along the basin. On the contrary, pumpkinseed diet variation was mainly related to pumpkinseed size and the presence of piscivorous bass nearby, although habitat size and cyprinid abundance were also influential. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Epidemic oral ulceration in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) associated with the leech Myzobdella lugubris

An epidemic of severe ulcerations of the tongue and buccal cavity was documented in subadult and adult largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from Currituck Sound, North Carolina (USA). Other external clinical signs were not present. Between November 1986 and May 1987, reports from fishermen indicated that as many as 90% of large (greater than 300 mm total length) bass were affected. Older fish were the most commonly involved. The leech, Myzobdella lugubris (= Illinobdella moorei), was consistently present on or near the lesions. Lesions were heavily infected with several different bacteria that were apparently secondary invaders. Stressful (high) salinity or an interruption in the normal migratory cycle of the parasite are suggested as possible causes for this condition in these bass.