The effects of feeding history and environment on condition, body composition and growth of bluegills Lepomis macrochirus

Authors: Copeland, T.; Murphy, B. R.; Ney, J. J.

Source: Journal of Fish Biology, Volume 76, Number 3, February 2010 , pp. 538-555(18)

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Abstract:

Initial relative mass (W_R, low v. high) and energetic trajectory in time (starved v. fed) were experimentally manipulated in bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. Fed fish starting at low W_R grew more and gained more W_R than fed fish starting at high W_R. Similarly, starved fish starting at high W_R lost more mass and W_R than did starved fish starting at low W_R. Temporal changes in other variables did not consistently match that of W_R, but, by the end of the experiment, proximate composition showed a high correlation to W_R. Regression slopes of W_R on proximate composition increased with time in the laboratory. Differences between wild and laboratory fish appeared to result from relaxation of environmental stress. When excess resources are available such that L. macrochirus grow, condition indices will increase, but individual response will depend on initial values and thus past environmental experience.

Keywords: condition index; energy allocation; growth; nutritional status; proximate composition; starvation

Document Type: Regular paper

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2009.02507.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 100 Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, U.S.A.

Publication date: 2010-02-01