Demonstration of Survival, Growth, and Reproduction of Gulf KillifishFundulus grandisin Freshwater Ponds

Abstract

AbstractThe Gulf Killifish (Fundulus grandis), a popular baitfish species inhabiting estuaries in the northern Gulf of Mexico, has potential as an aquaculture species, particularly if it can be produced in low-salinity or freshwater ponds. Because growth and survival in freshwater ponds is not known, two size-classes were examined over a 16-week period. Initial mean stocking weights and densities were 0.47 g/fish and 26,500 fish/ha for the smaller size-group, which were stocked into three 0.04-ha ponds, and 6.12 g/fish and 20,450 fish/ha for the larger size-group, which were stocked into two 0.04-ha ponds. Growth and survival were similar between size-classes, with mean final weight of 7.88 g/fish and mean survival of 54.3% in the smaller size-group, and a mean final weight of 13.90 g/fish and survival of 43.1% in the larger size-group. Mean weight gain was very similar between size-groups (small: 7.41 g, large: 7.78 g), with steady growth from June until mid-September, and little growth and declines in c...