Comparison of Performance Characteristics between Coppernose and Native Texas Bluegill Populations

Prentice, J. A., Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Heart of the Hills Research Station, HC 7, Box 62, Ingram, Texas 78025, 830-866-3356, jprentic@ktc.com

Growth, catchability and survival of coppernose bluegill Lepomis macrochirus purpurescens and bluegill L. m. macrochirus from East (Neches River system) and West (Rio Grande system) Texas populations were compared. The three types of bluegill were stocked together (each identifiable by coded-wire micro-tags) in each of four 0.25-hectare hatchery ponds. Bluegill types were evaluated with and without an established fish community present in ponds for age 0 and I + . Coppernose attained larger sizes in length and weight than East or West Texas bluegills regardless of whether established fish communities were present. However, no differences in catchability were found among bluegill types, except for age age-1 bluegill without a fish community when coppernose had a lower catch rate. During that year coppernose provided a significantly lower catch rate than the other bluegill types. No differences in survival among bluegill types were found with or without an established fish community present. Due to larger sizes attained by coppernose bluegill, this fish can aid improved management and quality of selected sunfish fisheries. However, potential low catchability of coppernose compared to other bluegills observed in this study should be considered in any management plan before introduction.

Copyright © 1999
Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
Last modified: 03/03/04 04:15:38 PM