Charlotte E. McCracken, Martha J.M. Wells,
and Christopher O’Bara, Center for the Management, Utilization and Protection of
Water Resources, Tennessee Technological University, P.O. Box 5033, Cookeville, Tennessee
38505; Voice 931-372-3507; FAX 931-372-6346; E-Mail mjmwells@tntech.edu,
cobara@tntech.edu
Keywords: Morone, biochemical genetic evaluations, fatty acid
profiles
Natural hybridization between striped bass (Morone saxatilis)
and white bass (M. chrysops) may be occurring at Cherokee and Norris Reservoirs.
Anglers and biologists have noted the presence of Morone taxa physically resembling
a hybrid (Cherokee bass, striped bass female x white bass male). Standard biochemical
genetic analysis evaluations using starch gel electrophoresis, as well as fatty acid
evaluations total lipids and fatty acid were conducted for Morone taxa in Cherokee,
Norris, and Tims Ford reservoirs. Biochemical genetic analysis identified Morone
hybrids from Cherokee and Norris reservoirs. Fatty acids profiled include linoleic
(18:2n-6), linolenic (18:3n-3), arachidonic (20:4n-6), and docosahexaenoic acids
(22:6n-3). A seasonal difference was seen in percent total lipids and fatty acids
profiled. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated seasonal differences between
spring 1997 collection and both spring 1996 and fall 1996 collections for white bass and
striped bass collected in Cherokee and Norris Reservoirs. Arachidonic and docosahexaenoic
acids usually differed between species; however, PCA revealed no separation between taxa.
Discriminant analysis correctly classified taxa ranged from 33% to 100% but dependent upon
season fish were collected. No one particular fatty acid continually showed differences
between reservoirs. Discriminant analysis correctly classified known Morone taxa
into reservoir of origin ranged from 57% to 100% dependent upon season.
