Differences in sexual maturity and fall emigration between diploid and triploid brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in an Adirondack lake

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July 6, 2015 - Author: <kruege62@msu.edu>, Jennifer A. Warrillow, Daniel C. Josephson, William D. Youngs

Journal or Book Title: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Volume/Issue: 54:8

Page Number(s): 1808-1812

Year Published: 1997

High levels of emigration coincident with maturity and spawning have been reported from brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations in Adirondack lakes. These lakes typically had few spawning areas and required stocking to maintain populations. We compared diploid and triploid brook trout to identify differences in gonadal development and emigration. Age 1+ and 2+ diploid and triploid brook trout held in captivity were examined internally for gonadal development. More diploid trout were mature than triploid fish (p < 0.01). Of triploid brook trout that matured, all were males. Yearling diploid and triploid brook trout were also stocked into a lake that had an outlet but no spawning areas. During the fall spawning season, only mature yearling triploid males, diploid males, and diploid females were caught in an outlet trap. No triploid
females were caught. A greater proportion of diploids emigrated than triploids (p < 0.01). Triploidy in females arrested emigration by preventing sexual maturation. Triploid male brook trout should not be stocked because they can pose a reproductive risk to wild brook trout downstream from lakes. Stocking triploid females could reduce fall emigration and thus reduce the loss of catchable brook trout from Adirondack lakes with outlets and little spawning habitat.

DOI: 10.1139/f97-087

Type of Publication: Journal Article

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