Otolith marking of juvenile shortnose gar by immersion in oxytetracycline
Oxytetracycline (OTC) has been used to mark a variety of fish species at multiple developmental stages; however, there is little information on batch-marking Lepisosteidae. Juvenile Shortnose Gar Lepisosteus platostomus (53 ± 3 mm TL) were seined from an Oklahoma State University research pond and transported to the Oklahoma Fishery Research Lab. Juvenile Shortnose Gar were exposed to a range of OTC concentrations—0, 500, 600, and 700 mg/L—for 4, 5, or 6 h. Lapillus and sagitta otoliths were examined 14 d postexposure for mark presence and evaluation using fluorescent microscopy. Overall, 93.3% of otoliths exposed to OTC exhibited a mark. Concentration of OTC affected the mean mark quality, whereas duration and otolith type examined did not. However, as concentration increased, so did mortality, suggesting a balance is needed to achieve marking goals. Based on our findings, batch marking of Shortnose Gar can be successful at OTC concentrations from 500 to 700 mg/L for 4–6 h, although mark quality may vary and mortality rates increase at the higher concentrations and longer durations.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2017 |
---|---|
Title | Otolith marking of juvenile shortnose gar by immersion in oxytetracycline |
DOI | 10.1080/02755947.2017.1317679 |
Authors | Richard A. Snow, James M. Long |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | North American Journal of Fisheries Management |
Index ID | 70193275 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Coop Res Unit Atlanta |