Individual growth and reproductive behavior in a newly established population of northern snakehead (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Channa argus</Emphasis>), Potomac River,USA |
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Authors: | Andrew M Gascho Landis Nicolas W R Lapointe Paul L Angermeier |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 100 Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321, USA;(2) Present address: Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture, Auburn University, 203 Swingle Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA;(3) Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, United States Geological Survey, 100 Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321, USA |
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Abstract: | Northern snakehead (Channa argus) were first found in the Potomac River in 2004. In 2007, we documented feeding and reproductive behavior to better understand
how this species is performing in this novel environment. From April to October, we used electrofishing surveys to collect
data on growth, condition, and gonad weight of adult fish. Growth rates of young were measured on a daily basis for several
weeks. Mean length-at-age for Potomac River northern snakehead was lower than for fish from China, Russia, and Uzbekistan.
Fish condition was above average during spring and fall, but below average in summer. Below-average condition corresponded
to periods of high spawning activity. Gonadosomatic index indicated that females began spawning at the end of April and continued
through August. Peak spawning occurred at the beginning of June when average temperatures reached 26°C. Larval fish growth
rate, after the transition to exogenous feeding, was 2.3 (SD ± 0.7) mm (total length, TL) per day. Although Potomac River
northern snakehead exhibited lower overall growth rates when compared to other populations, these fish demonstrated plasticity
in timing of reproduction and rapid larval growth rates. Such life history characteristics likely contribute to the success
of northern snakehead in its new environment and limit managers’ options for significant control of its invasion. |
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