Validating Aging Structures and Back-Calculation of Age Structures of Silver Carp

Charmayne Anderson, James T. Lamer, Brent Knights, Jun Wang, Levi Solomon, Andrew F. Casper

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) have invaded most of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Although fish age is routinely used to inform management decisions, aging structures for silver carp have not been validated against known-age fish to ensure accuracy and utility. We used known-age fish reared in Chinese aquaculture and collected from the La Grange Reach of the Illinois River (tracked annually from a strong 2014-year class) to validate aging structures, determine the best structure and method for back-calculation, and validate back-calculations for silver carp. We removed and processed vertebrae, lapillus otoliths, pectoral spines, and postcleithra from each individual. Annuli were counted and measured using Leica S8APO Stereoscope and associated software to determine back-calculated growth. By using both field and aquaculture reared individuals, we were able to validate year 1 annuli on all structures, determined best model to use for back-calculation of growth, and all structures are reliable for age, back-calculated growth, and growth estimates.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication148th Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, 17-23 August 2018, Atlantic City, New Jersey
StatePublished - 2018

Keywords

  • INHS

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