Weight Loss, Survival, and Fatty Acid Composition in Overwintered Juvenile Coppernose Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus purpurescens Cultured in Outdoor Tanks Using Different Feeding Regimens

Abstract

Commercial producers raising centrarchids in Arkansas routinely report winter mortality. Juvenile centrarchids are susceptible to harsh winter conditions. The Coppernose Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus purpurescens is a popular sport fish for recreational fishing, and there are no recommended best management practices for winter feeding of this species. An outdoor trial was conducted to investigate the effect of different feeding regimens on performance of Coppernose Bluegill in the winter of 2014-2015. Four feeding regimens were implemented that included feeding twice per week (2×/week), once per week (1×/week), twice per month (2×/month), or once per month (1×/month). Twenty-five Coppernose Bluegill (initial weight = 2.59 AE 0.19 g) were stocked per tank (16 tanks, 4 replicates). Temperatures