Factors Influencing Nest Survival in Florida Bass

Abstract

Angling nesting Florida Bass Micropterus salmoides floridanus may influence the survival of the brood and could negatively affect bass populations. Our objectives were to estimate daily nest survival for Florida Bass and to examine factors that influence nest survival to the swim-up fry stage. Snorkelers examined a total of 259 nests in a small, mesotrophic lake in north-central Florida from 2010 to 2012. We compared nest survival rates with accumulated degree-days, largest temperature drop following nest discovery, nest score, presence of a guarding male bass, and size of the guarding male. The most important factor in determining nest survival was the presence of a male bass. However, guarding male fish were only observed on 66% of active nests despite multiple visits to each nest, indicating a lower tendency to remain with the brood than has been reported in other Micropterus species. Florida Bass have displayed lower nest guarding behaviors in other studies; a prolonged spawning season and the presence of top predators in southern bass populations may influence decreased nest fidelity and nest guarding behavior. Individual nesting attempts may be less important for successful Florida Bass recruitment.

Received September 28, 2016; accepted February 28, 2017 Published online May 12, 2017

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was funded by the Sport Fish Restoration Program through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. We thank W. Porak, C. Suski, D. Philipp, and J. Dotson for input on study design and approach, and N. Cole and M. Stansel for field assistance.