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AUTHORS: Allison Lenaerts, Western Illinois University; Jim Lamer, Western Illinois University; Cortney Cox, Western Illinois University; Boone La Hood, Western Illinois University; Alison Coulter, Southern Illinois University; Kevin Irons, Illinois DNR
ABSTRACT: Invasive silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) are abundant throughout most of the Mississippi River Basin and are very prolific spawners. Abundance of these species in the Upper Mississippi River above Lock and Dam 19 is lower than in other invaded areas of the Mississippi River Basin. Evidence of successful spawning has been detected above the dam despite low populations. Understanding the reproductive potential (i.e., gonadalsomatic index (GSI), fecundity, egg size) of these low density, poorly understood populations is important to inform Asian carp management in the Upper Mississippi River. We examined and compared GSI, fecundity, and age at sexual maturityof silver carp (n= 673) and bighead carp (n=257) among pools 17-20 of the Mississippi River. The average GSI of female bighead carp, stages IV and V, was highest in pool 17 (11.16%, n=14) and lowest in pool 20 (2.66%, n=12). Male GSI average was highest for pool 18 (0.99%, n=37) and lowest in pool 20 (.33%, n=16). The average GSI for female silver carp, stages IV and V, was highest in pool 18 (12.12%, n=58) and lowest in pool 19 (7.34%, n=428). Male GSI average was highest for pool 18 (1.07%, n=28) and lowest in pool 19 (.41%, n=266). The results will be compared to studies that have been conducted on the Middle Mississippi River and the Missouri River.
