Relationship Between Ratio of Hybrid Sunfish to Their Parent Species and Latitude

Authors

• Maxwell Kattner

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Hybrid sunfish of the Lepomis genus make up a generally small but notable portion of the population of sunfish in Minnesota lakes. Hybrid sunfish play a significant role in freshwater ecosystems across the United States. They are both morphologically and behaviorally distinct in some ways and similar in other ways to their parent species, causing them to both fill and compete with their parent species for niches occupied by multiple Lepomis species. Despite this, the ratio of hybrid sunfish to their parent species has never been properly explored. This study observed if the ratio of hybrid sunfish to their parent species in over 900 lakes changed with latitude. The study gathered information from standard and targeted surveys performed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Multiple regression tests were performed to determine a best model. AIC scores provided evidence to suggest that the relationship between latitude and hybrid ratio was quadratic. Peak hybrid ratios occurred between 44.6 and 47.1 degrees latitude. Potential causes could be more spawning temperature overlaps or more suitable topography for hybridization in lakes between those latitudes.

Publication Date

2026

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program

Recommended Citation

Kattner, Maxwell, "Relationship Between Ratio of Hybrid Sunfish to Their Parent Species and Latitude" (2026). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 90.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/90