Intersex Condition of Shoal Bass in the Flint River, Georgia

Abstract

We examined male shoal bass Micropterus cataractae from the Flint River, Georgia, to determine the prevalence of intersex. During March and April 2010, we sampled 61 shoal bass from six sites along the Flint River. Testes were examined histologically and classified as intersex if the presence of oocytes was noted. Using a severity index, we compared samples collected on different dates and from different locations according to age and testis weight. No significant variations were noted among any of the groupings. Further investigation is needed to determine whether the intersex condition in shoal bass is severe enough to warrant concern and whether it is a natural phenomenon.

Received January 20, 2011; accepted July 22, 2011

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Funding for this project was provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. We would like to thank the staff of the histology department at the University of Georgia's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Tifton for their help in preparing the samples. We would also like to thank Steve Sammons for his help collecting fish and John Kilpatrick and Dean Barber for their help extracting otoliths.