Propagation of Gilt Darters, Percina evides, from the Allegheny River system of New York at
Conservation Fisheries, Inc. (CFI)
April 27, 2010
Twenty-five sub-adult gilt darters, Percina evides, were received at the CFI hatchery in Knoxville, TN on 1
October, 2008. All specimens were < 50mm TL. These fish were acclimated into a 150 gallon
recirculating fiberglass vat where they were provided numerous cover objects (mostly natural rock) and
relatively strong internal circulation. These fish underwent winter conditioning where both water
temperatures and day length and feedings were reduced to mimic natural conditions as closely as
possible. As spring approached, both water temperatures and day length were increased, closely
following natural conditions (in Knoxville), with feeding increased as appetites tracked rising water
temperature. Foods consisted of frozen bloodworms (chironomids) and brine shrimp and live
blackworms and Daphnia.
On 24 February all gilt darters were moved from their 150 gal fiberglass tank to two 58 gallon glass
aquaria, one with 12 and the other with 13 specimens. All fish were robust at this time, but accurate
sexing of all fish was still impossible. Some of the males had been exhibiting breeding colors, but all had
lost intensity during the transfer process.
The 58 gallon aquaria were part of a larger recirculating system. For egg-burying fish (and so far as we
know, all Percina exhibit this spawning trait) the breeder tanks were equipped with an overflow drain
that was directed into a larval capture tub. These tubs were fitted with a fine mesh overflow that
prevented escape of any captured larvae. The tubs were examined daily for free-swimming larvae.
Larvae could then be transferred to a feeding and rearing tub as they “dropped” into the capture tub.
Initially after the establishment of the fish into the two tanks, none of the males were observed to
demonstrate nuptial colors. Some presumed females appeared to be somewhat gravid. All of the fish
appeared very robust, exhibiting excellent physical condition. The fish were fed heavily during the spring
and received frequent water changes to maintain high water quality. By June the fish were still likely too
small for spawning, the largest males not exceeding 50-55mm total length (TL).
By early July, males finally began to develop higher color; however, no spawning was observed and no
larvae captured by the recovery system. Vacuuming the substrate also failed to produce any eggs or
larvae. The collection tubs were checked regularly for larvae and the adult fish were monitored for any
signs of spawning, but no spawning or larval capture was observed throughout the summer.
On 30 September, 15 more gilt darters were shipped to CFI. One arrived dead and another died the
following day. The survivors were successfully quarantined two weeks in a separate 58 gallon aquarium.
The tank was then “turned on” within the larger recirculating system and no additional losses have
occurred. These fish were even smaller in size than the original group of gilt darters, which now was
clearly comprised of mostly males (and we have since noted that some of the fish that originally
appeared to be females are actually males that did not demonstrate male nuptial coloration….”sneaky
males”).
All the gilt darters were again winter-conditioned as described above, followed by increased feeding as
day length and water temperatures in the hatchery increased through February and March. By early to
mid-March males were exhibiting high nuptial colors and a few females appeared gravid. Territorial and
courtship behavior was observed. The first evidence of spawning was the collection of 4 larvae on April 7
in the capture tub. These have thrived to date, easily reared with zooplankton foods, but no additional
larvae have been captured. A few eggs have been recovered by vacuuming spawning substrates but
none have yet proven viable when collected in this manner. We are planning to re-assort the adults to
best combine the few mature females available with one or two dominant males following isolation of
the sexes to feed heavily and better condition the females.