Effect of Golden Shiners on Plankton and Water Quality in Ponds Managed for Intensive Production |
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| Authors: | Gerald M Ludwig |
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| Institution: | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish Farming Experimental Laboratory, P.O. Box 860, Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160–0860 USA |
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| Abstract: | Water quality variables and plankton were monitored and compared between ponds that were stocked or not stocked with golden shiners in order to determine what changes occur in the plankton community and water quality of ponds managed for intensive production. Ponds with shiners had significantly lower phosphate and carbon dioxide concentrations and lower carbonate alkalinity than ponds without shiners. No significant difference in nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, temperature, secchi disk readings, or turbidity levels was found between the treatments. The standing crop of phytoplankton was nearly twice as great in ponds with fish. Ponds with fish had significantly fewer copepods but more rotifers than fishless ponds. Although the fish were offered a commercial feed with 29.5% protein and 1.5% crude fat at 3% of their biomass daily, they apparently continued to feed on crustacean zooplankton. |
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