A Meristic and Morphometric Assessment of Roanoke Bass, Rock Bass, and Their Hybrids

Brandon Plunkett, James Henry Roberts

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation

Abstract

The Roanoke bass ( Ambloplites cavifrons ), a sport fish native to several Atlantic-slope drainages of Virginia and North Carolina, has experienced population declines and extirpations over the past century, in part due to competition and hybridization with introduced rock bass ( A rupestris ). We sampled Ambloplites specimens from rivers throughout the historical range of Roanoke bass, in order to determine the present status of the species and the extent of its hybridization with rock bass. For comparison, we also included known rock bass specimens from nearby. Gulf-slope drainages Specimens were examined for six meristic and seven morphometric characters and these data were analyzed using multivariate statistics. Results showed clear separation of the two species in multivariate space, and most rivers appeared to contain one species or the other, but not both Furthermore, most individuals could be accurately statistically assigned back to their putative species, and in many cases, to their river of capture. However, some rivers exhibited ambiguous classification and appeared to contain both species and/or hybrids. These results will be compared to upcoming genetic analyses, which will be used to confirm species identities and corroborate hybrid assignments. Outcomes of the study will help managers assess the status of Roanoke bass and prioritize rivers for Roanoke bass restoration and rock bass eradication.
Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - Jan 2014
EventSouthern Division American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting (SDAFS) - Charleston, SC
Duration: Jan 1 2014 → …

Conference

ConferenceSouthern Division American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting (SDAFS)
Period01/1/14 → …

Disciplines

  • Biology

Keywords

  • Biology
  • Roanoke bass
  • Rock bass

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