Date of Award
1979
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. William S. Woolcott
Second Advisor
Dr. Wilton R. Tenney
Third Advisor
Dr. John W. Bishop
Abstract
Age, growth, and food habits of the population of Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass) in Westhampton Lake were studied from September to November, 1978. Two year classes (O and I) were identified by determining numbers of annuli on the scales of the fish. Growth data indicated that the bass attain a size of 254 mm (10 in.) near the end of their second summer. The length-weight relationship was log W = - 4.6829 + 2.9153 log TL. The Fulton condition factor for the population was 1.40. Food habits were described by numerical and frequency of occurrence methods. Young of the year sunfish were the primary forage for the bass (range 105 to 269 mm). Values attained for growth and condition factors were intermediate to similar values for largemouth bass populations from northern and southern states, indicating Westhampton Lake is a favorable largemouth bass habitat.
Recommended Citation
Rawls, Charles H., "Growth and food habits of micropterus salmoides in Westhampton Lake, Richmond, Virginia" (1979). Master's Theses. 906.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/masters-theses/906