Status Of Marine Fish Introductions Into The Fresh Waters Of Texas

Techniques have been developed for spawning adult southern flounder. (Paralichthys lethostigma), spotted seatrout (Lynoscion nebulosus), and red drum (Setaenops ocellata) and rearing their larvae for freshwater acclimation and introduction into heated freshwater reservoirs in Texas. Egg production, percentage egg fertilization, percentage hatch, percentage return of larvae stocked into laboratory aquaria and hatchery ponds, and potential for fingerling survival in fresh water were compared for the 3 species. Red drum was found to be the most suitable for culture and introduction into fresh water. A diagram and estimated construction cost of a laboratory facility for holding and spawning marine fishes is presented.