Survival of Adult, Florida and Northern Largemouth Bass Subjected to Cold Temperature Regimes

Adult Florida (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) and northern (M. s. salmoides) largemouth bass were subjected in the laboratory to low water temperature regimes similar to those occurring on Texas hatcheries. Northern largemouth bass survived all temperature regimes experienced. Florida largemouth bass suffered mortality that increased as temperature decline rate (1, 2, and 4 C/ day) increased. They survived prolonged exposure (30 days) at 4 C well, but total mortality occurred at 3 and 2 C. Northern largemouth bass were more tolerant than Florida largemouth bass of rapid temperature decreases and low temperatures.