Assessing the invasion history and contemporary diet of nonnative redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus Günther, 1859) in an ecotonal riverscape

Redear Sunfish Occurrence, Abundance, Growth, and Size Structure as Related to Abiotic and Biotic Factors in Florida Lakes

“…Our results suggest that the reported preference of Redear Sunfish for water bodies with abundant aquatic vegetation across the southeastern United States (Page and Burr 1991; Warren 2009; Tomelleri and Eberle 2011; Whitney et al. 2021), while generally accurate, may not apply universally to Florida lakes. Although Redear Sunfish occurred over a wide range of macrophyte abundance in our study (PVI 0.3–100), the 10 lakes with the highest occurrence probabilities had an average PVI of 17 and the top 30 lakes had an average PVI of 23.…”

“…Managers can use our models to predict Redear Sunfish occurrence, density, relative abundance, growth, and size structure based on abiotic and biotic variables and estimate water-body-specific likelihoods for developing fisheries with abundant Redear Sunfish of quality size. Moreover, managers can use our models to identify water bodies where Redear Sunfish are most likely to establish, which is important in areas such as southern Michigan where Redear Sunfish compete with native Pumpkinseed (Huckins et al 2000;Whitney et al 2021). Given the global distribution of Redear Sunfish (e.g., Mexico, Panama, Morocco, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands; Whitney et al 2021), our results also have implications for understanding and managing Redear Sunfish populations beyond the United States.…”

“…Moreover, managers can use our models to identify water bodies where Redear Sunfish are most likely to establish, which is important in areas such as southern Michigan where Redear Sunfish compete with native Pumpkinseed (Huckins et al 2000;Whitney et al 2021). Given the global distribution of Redear Sunfish (e.g., Mexico, Panama, Morocco, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands; Whitney et al 2021), our results also have implications for understanding and managing Redear Sunfish populations beyond the United States. Overall, this study indicates the importance of considering how abiotic and biotic factors that vary across large regions affect fish distribution, abundance, and growth, particularly when developing and evaluating fisheries management programs.…”

“…Redear Sunfish comprised 66% of annual lepomid harvest by weight in Tennessee reservoirs in 1998 (Malvestuto 1999), the same year that the Redear Sunfish and Bluegill L. macrochirus fishery in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida generated US$1.4 million in economic activity (Crawford and Allen 2006). In Michigan lakes where they were introduced, Redear Sunfish outcompeted native a molluscivore (Pumpkinseed L. gibbosus) and were considered an invasive species due to their negative effects on recipient ecosystems (e.g., reduced snail biomass, decreased Pumpkinseed abundance; Huckins et al 2000;Whitney et al 2021). Despite their wide distribution, large size, socioeconomic contributions, and invasion potential, Redear Sunfish have received less research attention than Bluegill and other panfish such as Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus and Yellow Perch (Adams and Kilambi 1979;Sammons et al 2006), limiting the scientific information available for the management of Redear Sunfish.…”

“…2000; Whitney et al. 2021). Despite their wide distribution, large size, socioeconomic contributions, and invasion potential, Redear Sunfish have received less research attention than Bluegill and other panfish such as Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus and Yellow Perch (Adams and Kilambi 1979; Sammons et al.…”