Document Type
Article
Abstract
The introduction of an invasive species to an ecosystem is considered a very severe environmental problem. Zebra Mussel veligers Dreissena polymorpha have recently been found in Leech Lake, Minnesota, and are likely going to have a large influence on this ecosystem. Zebra Mussels are filter-feeders that rely on phytoplankton and zooplankton as their main source of energy. A shift in populations of plankton due to Zebra Mussels may affect the growth rates of larval fish. Median hatch dates and growth rates were estimated from four age-0 fish species (Yellow Perch Perca flavescens, Walleye Sander vitreus, Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu, and Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides). Median hatch dates ranged from 7 May to 11 June 2017. Walleye had the earliest median hatch date (7 May 2017), followed by Yellow Perch (17 May 2017), Largemouth Bass (3 June 2017), and Smallmouth Bass (11 June 2017). Growth rates ranged from 0.07 to 0.88 mm/d, with Yellow Perch having the slowest growth rate (0.07 mm/d), followed by Walleye (0.14 mm/d), Largemouth Bass (0.60 mm/d), and Smallmouth Bass (0.88 mm/d). Results from this study will provide baseline data which will allow Leech Lake managers to estimate how Zebra Mussels influence the system in the future.
Publication Date
2018
Recommended Citation
Morey, Kayla and Larson, Emily, "Growth Rate and Hatch Date of Age-0 Fishes on Leech Lake, Minnesota Before Zebra Mussel Establishment" (2018). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 26.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/26
Included in
Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Biology Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Population Biology Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
Comments
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program