Forrest J. Ware

Effects of Grass Carp on Native Fish Populations in Two Florida Lakes

Two natural ponds were studied to investigate the effects of introduced grass carp on native fishes. Biologically significant deleterious effects were detennined for both fish populations. Largemouth bass populations were reduced in one pond and substantially altered at the second site. Fish population structures shifted and symptoms of overcrowding were evident. Bluegill numbers increased in both ponds. Warmouth were greatly reduced in one pond. Several species offorage fishes were eliminated.

Progress with Moronehybrids in Fresh Water

A brief history of developments with Morone hybrids is given. Two of these fishes have shown potential as a supplemental sport fish for fresh water lakes and reservoirs. The original hybrid. white bass male X striped bass female. has provided substantial fisheries in the Southeast. Compared to striped bass, greater returns to sport fishermen, faster early growth. and higher survival has been documented. The threat of backcross deformities appears minimal at this time. The reciprocal hybrid, striped bass male X white bass female. was successfully cultured in 1973. Early findings...

Some Early Life History Of Florida's Inland Striped Bass, Morone Saxatilis

Striped bass, Morone saxatilis, were successfully established ih Florida's fresh water lakes during the summer of 1968. Populations are presently known in at least six separate bodies of water. Lake stocking rates have ranged from 43 fish per acre to 5 fish per acre. All stocks were obtained from Moncks Corner Striped Bass Hatchery, South Carolina, as one to four day old fry and reared to approximately 2 inches (TL) at State hatcheries prior to stocking. Growth has been rapid but variable between populations. The average first year of growth was 11.1 inches (TL). Maximum growth for age...

Effects Of Phosphatic Clay Pollution On The Peace River, Florida

Contamination of the Peace River with 1,500 acre feet of phosphate mine waste (montmorillonite clay) resulted in heavy mortality of stream fauna. The estimated kill of fishes exceeded 90% of the fish population in 76 miles of stream. Losses of macroinvertebrates were heavy or complete for all taxonomic groups, except oligochaetes and tendipedid larvae. Excessive clay turbidity was determined as the cause of kill. Lethal concentrations of suspended particles was short term and within 9 days stream water quality returned to normal. Recovery of stream fauna was monitored for a 15...

MassĀ·marking Warm Water Fish By Compressed Air And Fluorescent Pigment

Marking is accomplished by embedding fluorescent pigment into the dermal tissue of fish with compressed air. The principal species evaluated were largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, redear sunfish, Lepomis microhophus, and channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Marking rate was approximately 1500-2000 fingerling size fish per hour with a two-".,'m team. Mark detection requires ultraviolet light. Air pressure and application distance are critical factors in marking success. Best results were obtained using an air pressure range of 85-200 psi from a distance...

The Food Habits Of Channel Catfish In South Florida

Since channel catfish, Ictalwrus punctatus, were being considered as a possible predator for the control of forage fish in Florida lakes, a study of their food habits was conducted. An examination was made of the stomachs of 195 channel catfish collected in Lake Okeechobee, Lake Blue Cypress, and Lake Agnes, with trammel nets. The size range of fish examined was eight to 30 inches in total length. The major food items were insects, crustaceans, and fish. Data is presented according to the frequency of occurrence and number of food items contained in the stomachs. The lengths of channel...