Paddlefish Reproduction in the Cumberland and Tennessee River Systems

Abstract

Larvae and eggs of paddlefish Polyodon spathula were collected in the Cumberland and Tennessee river systems from 1973 to 1982. Seven methods were used to capture larval paddlefish and two to collect eggs. Eggs were first collected when spring water temperatures reached 10°C; most were collected when temperatures were 12–15°C. Larvae were present in samples from early April to mid-June at water temperatures of 11–21°C; most were collected when temperatures were 12–18°C. Most paddlefish larvae in samples ranged from 8 to 12 mm total length. Horizontal distribution of larvae was widespread in reservoir transects. Their vertical distributions were sometimes uniform, but larvae often concentrated in surface waters. Relatively large numbers of larvae periodically occurred in samples, suggesting larvae move downstream in contagious groups. The possibility of interreservoir transport of paddlefish larvae was indicated by estimates of ages and hatching locales.