Abstract
Abstract A study was conducted to determine if fingerlings of two strains of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, differed significantly in acceptance of formulated feed. The San Marcos (Marion) and Inks Dam (northern) strains of largemouth bass were trained at the San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Development Center to accept formulated feed, Biodiet, under similar conditions in a simulated production environment. Fingerlings (average total length, 30 mm) that had been reared under similar conditions were stocked at equal densities, in triplicate, in indoor rectangular tanks. They received semimoist pellets, 1.6 mm in diameter, at a rate equal to 15% of the stocked biomass per day throughout the training period. Training success was 23% for the Inks Dam and 43% for the San Marcos strain. The San Marcos strain performed 84% better than the Inks Dam strain under similar conditions. These results appear to support the contention that genetic difference explains to a considerable extent the difference in training success between strains. These data, plus previous experience with both strains, suggest that significant gains in production and management may be possible if the genetic potential of different strains of largemouth bass is exploited.
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