Performance Comparison and Growth Models for Walleyes and Walleye × Sauger Hybrids Reared for Two Years in Intensive Culture

Abstract

Abstract To aid in evaluating the potential ofwalleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and hybrid walleye x sauger (S. vitreum ♀ × S. canadense ♂) as commercial food fish (≥681 g, a minimum size for the food fish market), we compared the growth, survival, condition factor, and feed conversion of advanced fingerling (284 mm initial total length) walleyes and walleye hybrids reared in intensive culture at 20.7°C. Survival of both groups was 90% or better during the 126-d study. None of the differences in performance between the two groups were significant. The hybrids grew in length from 283 to 330 mm (0.37 mm/d) and in weight from 199 to 325 g (1.01 g/d). The walleyes grew in length from 285 to 324 (0.31 mm/d) and in weight from 201 to 318 g (0.94 g!d). Data from this cohort grown under intensive culture conditions to an age of 783 d posthatch were used to develop a comprehensive growth curve model for hybrids and walleyes from hatch to 681 g. The model accounted for 98–99% of the variability of the weight. Predicti...