Prey Selectivity of Common Predators on Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) are an invasive species in the Mississippi River Basin and their current role in this novel ecosystem is not fully understood. Juvenile Silver Carp can and do occur in great numbers after a successful spawn. These massive schools of small Silver Carp seem to be an obvious prey source for the common predators of the Mississippi River system. The level to which native piscivores are consuming this novel prey item is unclear. The goal of this research was to determine if common predators (White Bass Morone chrysops and Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides) would select for or against this novel prey in the presence of two native prey fish (Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum and Emerald Shiner Notropis atherinoides). Trials took place in a lab setting and the order that prey items were consumed was recorded. After limited trials we observed that Silver Carp was least commonly the first prey item to be consumed. Silver Carp was consumed first in only 10.7 percent of trials with White Bass and 13.8 percent of trials with Largemouth Bass. The effectiveness of different native piscivores to consume Silver Carp may have impacts on future management decisions.