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Full-Text Articles in Aquaculture and Fisheries
Bonytail (Gila Elegans) May Enhance Survival Of Razorback Suckers (Xyrauchen Texanus) In Rearing Ponds By Preying On Exotic Crayfish, Nathan Lenon, Krystyna Anne Stave, Tom Burke, James E. Deacon
Bonytail (Gila Elegans) May Enhance Survival Of Razorback Suckers (Xyrauchen Texanus) In Rearing Ponds By Preying On Exotic Crayfish, Nathan Lenon, Krystyna Anne Stave, Tom Burke, James E. Deacon
Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Publications
This study examined the potential of bonytail (Gila elegans) to enhance survival of young razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) in rearing ponds by serving as a biological control agent for young stages of Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarki). Large populations of crayfish in rearing ponds negatively affect the survival of razorback suckers, through predation and competition for food. Traps made with 6.34 mm (0.25 inch) mesh have been used in an effort to reduce crayfish populations, however crayfish less than 17 mm carapace length (CPL) are able to escape. Juvenile bonytail in experimental trials ate young crayfish ranging in size from …