Ultrasonic Telemetry of Striped Bass X White Bass Hybrids in the Escambia River, Florida

Biotelemetry studies of 13 striped bass (Morone saxatilis) x white bass (M. chrysops) hybrids in the Escambia River, Florida demonstrated positive affinity of the hybrids for saline waters. Average salinity at relocation sites ranged from 0.5 to 4.1 ppt at the surface and from 3.6 to 21.8 ppt on the bottom. Movements of hybrids in the river system appear to be strongly influenced by seasonal fluctuations in river discharge. Hybrids usually inhabited the lower, tidal delta of the river during periods of low and normal discharge and moved into the bay during times of high flow. No evidence of significant upstream emigration was observed. Two hybrids emigrated from the Escambia River estuary into adjacent river systems. Maximum movement recorded was 88 km.

Publication date
Starting page
62
Ending page
73
ID
31175