Age, Growth, and Fecundity of the Rosyside Dace, Clinostomus funduloides Girard

Abstract

Information on growth rate, age composition, and fecundity of rosyside dace was obtained from a sample of 212 fish collected from April to August 1970 from the North Branch of Jennings Run, Potomac River drainage. Total lengths ranged from 46 to 94 mm and average weights ranged from 1.4 g (40–49 mm length class) to 10.4 g (90–99 mm length class). Ages of rosyside dace included age groups I to IV. Sexual maturity was attained at about 53 mm and age I for both sexes. The spawning season lasted from early May until late June. The mean diameter of eggs during the spawning season ranged from 1.05 mm in May to 1.20 mm in June. Fecundity ranged from 139 (56–59 mm length class) to 802 (90–95 mm length class). There was a high correlation between fecundity and length and weight of dace, but a low correlation between fecundity and age and weight of ovaries.