Evaluation of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) feeding habits after eradication of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)

Author

Krisan Marie Webb

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Dibble, Eric

Committee Member

Schramm, L. Harold

Committee Member

Miranda, E. Leandro

Date of Degree

8-8-2009

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine effects of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) removal on bluegill feeding habits relative to diet composition, size, and feeding selectivity. Data were collected from 2003 through 2007 in four Minnesota lakes during June and September using boat electrofishing. Two lakes received an herbicide application of Endothall 2, 4-D, whereas remaining lakes were untreated and used as a reference. Bluegill diet composition, diets relative to size, and feeding selectivity were unaffected by vegetation removal, but varied seasonally with macroinvertebrate availability. Therefore, removal of Eurasian watermilfoil had minimal effects on bluegill feeding habits.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/15351

Recommended Citation

Webb, Krisan Marie, "Evaluation of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) feeding habits after eradication of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)" (2009). Theses and Dissertations. 2001.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/2001