An Experimental Evaluation of Two Trout Strain Crosses

MASTERS THESIS: By crossing various inbred, conspecific strains (of fish), there is the possibility that some progeny will show increased survival and will remain readily catchable. As part of a program to evaluate the quality of such hatchery crosses, three laboratory exsperiments and one field study were undertaken to assess some of the various vigor qualities which may contribute to the subsistence and perpetuation of the fish after planting. The main factors considered in formulating these experiments were those of feasibility and ecological significance. The separate experiments all compared the same strains on a relative basis with the parental strains. Substrate preference, stamina, predation response, and angler yield were ultimately chosen as criteria to evaluate the relative fitness and management potential of the crossbred strains. (Includes a literature review)