Coefficients of Condition for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Redear Sunfish in Hydrilla-Infested Lakes

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Abstract
Coefficients of condition were calculated seasonally for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) for three years from two hydrilla‐infested Florida lakes, Baldwin and Wales. Hydrilla coverage was altered with aquatic herbicides and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) during the study period in both lakes. Bluegill and redear sunfish condition was not adversely affected until hydrilla occupied the majority of the water column. The reduction in condition which occurred with near total occupation of the water column by hydrilla was probably due to the elimination of a foraging gradient between the submersed macrophytes and open water. Harvestable (creelable) largemouth bass had low condition values once hydrilla coverage was above 30%; however, smaller largemouth bass were not as adversely affected until percent coverage exceeded 50%.
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