Management of Indigenous Fish Species Impacted by Introduced Mosquitofish: An Experimental Approach
Keywords
mosquitofish, native species, species introduction, mesocosm
Abstract
The negative effects of introduced mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on native fishes of the American Southwest have been well documented. However, little experimental information is available to determine the level to which populations of Gambusia must be reduced before reintroducing native species. To simulate various options for managing indigenous fishes impacted by mosquitofish, we observed population growth of the least killifish (Heterandria formosa) with different starting densities of the eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) in replicate mesocosms. The presence of mosquitofish at all densities examined had a significant negative effect on population growth of least killifish. Therefore, complete removal of introduced mosquitofish appears to be the best management option for maintaining populations of native fishes.
Original Publication Citation
Lydeard, C., and M. C. Belk. 1993. Management of indigenous fish species impacted by introduced mosquitofish: an experimental approach. The Southwestern Naturalist 38:370-373.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Lydeard, Charles and Belk, Mark C., "Management of Indigenous Fish Species Impacted by Introduced Mosquitofish: An Experimental Approach" (1993). Faculty Publications. 5491.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/5491
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
1993-12
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8223
Publisher
The Southwestern Naturalist
Language
English
College
Life Sciences
Department
Biology
Copyright Use Information
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