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Last modified
8/11/2009 11:32:58 AM
Creation date
8/10/2009 5:11:59 PM
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UCREFRP
UCREFRP Catalog Number
9703
Author
Mueller, G.A., J. Carpenter, R. Krafel and C. Figiel.
Title
Preliminary testing of the role of exercise and predator recognition for bonytail and razorback sucker.
USFW Year
2007.
USFW - Doc Type
U.S. Geological Survey
Copyright Material
NO
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<br />morning, survivors from the predation tank were collected, measured, and matched with fish from the <br />other two groups. The three groups were made distinguishable, by marking two groups differently and <br />leaving the third unmarked. Marking consisted of clipping a small terminal divot from either left or <br />right pectoral clip. The marking sequence was rotated among test groups. All prey were introduced into <br />the predation tank at the same time. <br />Predator/prey experiments usually started in the morning, which allowed suckers time to <br />acclimate before flathead catfish began feeding after dark. Experiments ran for one to six days, until <br />roughly half the prey had been consumed. The tank was then partially drained, surviving suckers were <br />dip netted, and the tank was refilled to start another trial. Survivors were measured and fins checked to <br />determine which treatment group they originated from. <br /> <br />Bonytail Versus Largemouth Bass <br />We attempted to exercise bony tail in 2007; however, during the eighth week of the exercise <br />regimen, bony tail from both exercise and control groups showed symptoms of ich (a parasitic- <br />Ichthyophthirius multifilis-infection) and were treated with formalin. Control fish responded to <br />treatment but the exercised fish died. We started another exercise group, but these fish also succumbed <br />to another infection (3rd week) and died. No further attempts were made to physically condition <br />bony tail. <br />We initiated the trials comparing predator-naive with predator-savvy bony tail. These trials <br />started with] 2 bony tail selected from the control group; they were measured, marked, and placed in a <br />tank with largemouth bass to experience their first predation event. Then 12 similarly sized (:1:5 mm) <br />fish were marked and placed in a holding tank. Once predation was observed, survivors were removed <br />dnd matched in number and size with predator-na'ive fish. Fish were marked and transferred to a <br />di ft"erent predator tank to start the predation experiment. Three circular (2-4 m diameter) tanks were <br />used, which contained varying numbers (2 to 15) of largemouth bass. Once predation occurred, <br />surviving prey were removed, measured, and their origin of treatment determined. This typically took <br />one hour to one day to occur. <br /> <br />Observations <br /> <br />Predation/Predator Avoidance? <br />The predator exposure attempt in 2006 left many unanswered questions that we fortunately were <br />able to more closely examine. The flathead catfish were actively feeding prior to their transfer, but once <br />moved they remained inactive for 48 hours. They were typically surrounded by curious razorback <br />suckers, and there was no evidence by either predator or prey that predation occurred. Flathead catfish <br />were then removed and placed in a 2-m-diameter tank. We quickly designed a set of impromptu tests to <br />determine if the flathead catfish were feeding and if so, if we could detect predator avoidance behavior <br />using a smaller number of prey. <br /> <br />Predator Avoidance Trials <br />Three predator avoidance experiments were conducted. Trial 1 consisted of a wood and wire <br />mesh divider (8 by 10 em) that was placed down the middle of the tank to provide a predator and a <br />predator-free area. Ten razorback suckers were added to the tank that could swim through the large- <br />mesh screen. allowing them access to either side. Periodically (2-5 times/d) we recorded prey <br />distribution (predator side/sanctuary side) and if predation had occurred. Fish co-existed for seven days, <br />suggesting the flathead catfish were still suffering from either handling or holding stress. For trial 2, the <br />tlathead catfish were moved to a larger (4 m) tank that contained two shelters that the catfish used <br />during the daytime. A similar large-meshed divider was placed down the center of this tank, 10 new <br /> <br />7 <br />
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