Predation of Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, by largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, in experimental aquaria

Abstract

To test the size range of prey fish that largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, can successfully consume, live Japanese dace, Tribolodon hakonensis, were given as prey fish to individual largemouth bass in aquaria. The ratio of maximum standard length (SL) of the Japanese dace consumed by largemouth bass was 46–69% of bass SL. The maximum length of Japanese dace consumed did not differ significantly between largemouth bass and smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu) previously studied, although largemouth bass have relatively larger mouth sizes than smallmouth bass. Largemouth bass occasionally injured and killed Japanese dace larger than the limit that could be consumed.