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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 />