Effects of Turbidity on Prey Consumption by Striped Bass Larvae

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Abstract
Striped bass Morone saxatilis breed in waters often affected by human activities that increase turbidity. Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the effect of turbidity on the numbers and size of prey consumed by striped bass larvae during 25-min feeding trials. Larvae feeding on natural prey assemblages, primarily composed of copepods, consumed approximately 40% fewer prey in suspended solids concentrations of 200 and 500 mg .cntdot. L-1 than in 0 or 75 mg .cntdot. L-1. In contrast, larvae feeding on Daphnia pulex captured the same average number of prey at all suspended solids concentrations tested. Turbidity also had no effect on the size of copepods or D. pulex eaten.