Abstract |
Mature black crappies (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) were exposed to constant dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations near or at 2.5, 3.5, 5.0, or 6.5 mg/liter, and near air saturation (control) to determine the effects of reduced DO on spawning success. The fish spawned successfully 39 times in laboratory tanks under a simulated natural temperature and light regime at all DO concentrations tested. Fish at 2.5 mg/liter DO started and finished spawning at earlier dates than those at the higher oxygen concentrations; fish at saturation started and finished spawning at later dates than those at the reduced concentrations. The number of embryos from a single spawning ranged from 14,600 to 155,300. Number of spawnings, viability of embryos, hatching success, and survival through swimup were similar between control fish and those exposed to reduced oxygen concentrations. |