Comparative Temperature-Dependent Growth Rates of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass Fry

Abstract
First-month growth was temperature-dependent for fry of largemouth bass M. salmoides and smallmouth bass M. dolomieu that were raised simultaneously under identical conditions. Similar temperatures (25.degree.-27.degree. C) produced the fastest growth rates in both species, although largemouth bass grew most rapidly at the higher end of this range. Largemouth bass generally grew faster than smallmouth bass, particularly in the 25.degree.-30.degree. C range (average 1.4 times). Variance about the mean standard length increased at higher temperatures. Differing temperature-dependent growth rates and size distributions for the 2 spp. may influence their relative abilities to survive predation and to form strong year classes in temperature regimes that differ due to latitude or weather.

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