Thesis (Ph. D.)--Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, 1998. / Submitted to the graduate faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agriculture and Mechanical College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in The School of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 65-70). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references (p.57-62).

Thesis (M.S.)--Auburn University, 2008. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 64-75).

Understanding spatial patterns in population demographics and the principal natal environments supporting riverine fish populations are important for fisheries management. Although the black basses are among the most popular groups of game fishes in North America, relatively little information exists regarding demographics and environmental history of spotted bass Micropterus punctulatus in riverine environments. Fin ray microchemistry was used to identify natal environment and age estimates from sectioned fin rays used to estimate growth and mortality rates for spotted bass in Smithland pool of the Ohio River and three tributaries. Spotted bass were collected from 2014-2016 in headwater reaches of tributaries using electrofishing, angling, and a seine net, while electrofishing was used exclusively in the Ohio River and lower tributary reaches. Spotted bass in the Ohio River generally lived longer and grew larger than conspecifics in tributaries, although mortality rates were not definitively different. Differences in water Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca among the Ohio River and tributaries were reflected in fin rays from age-0 and age-1 fish. Eighteen percent of spotted bass ≥ age-2 captured in the Ohio River originated in tributaries, whereas 15% captured in tributaries originated in the Ohio River. Although most fish remained in their natal environment, small tributaries can be a supplemental recruitment source for spotted bass populations and fisheries in large rivers. This study highlights the utility of fin rays for microchemical analysis and age estimation of spotted bass.

This study is based on the examinations and analyses of 388 largemouthed black bass (Micropterus salmoides) and 118 spotted black bass (Micropterus puctulatus ssp.) which were collected over a period of three years from 9 lakes in the North-Central and East Texas areas. The results should show the following: (1) the average age of the black bass in each of the nine reservoirs in Texas; (2) the growth rate of the bass in these reservoirs; (3) the feeding habits of the bass in all reservoirs studied; (4) a comparison of the growth rates of the largemouthed and spotted basses; and (5) a comparison of the growth rates of bass from Texas and Oklahoma.

Two species of black bass, smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu and spotted bass Micropterus punctulatus, are sympatric in both riverine and impounded sections of the New River, Virginia. Resource use (habitat and diet) by the two species was investigated to determine patterns and extent of resource partitioning between them and how those patterns might differ between lotic and lentic environments. Individual fitness indicators (i.e., growth and body condition factor) were also measured to assess performance of populations of the two species in the study areas. Fitness indicators suggested relatively good performance of both species in both river and impoundment, which implied that competitive pressures were not intense. Diet analyses indicated fairly high overlap in prey types consumed. High fitness combined with considerable diet overlap suggested that food availability was adequate, and that segregation in this impounded river system was not on a trophic basis. The two species were found to segregate spatially, with spotted bass predominant in the impoundment and smallmouth more abundant in the river. Spatial segregation was also apparent within both river and impoundment habitat types. / Master of Science