Intergeneric Hybridization of Centrarchids

A study was undertaken to attempt all possible crosses among four species of centrarchids, representing four distinct genera, by artificial stripping and fertilization. The species used were Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède), the largemouth bass; Chaenobryttus gulosus (Cuvier), the warmouth; Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, the bluegill; and Pomoxis nigromaculatus (LeSueur), the black crappie. Hybridization success was used as an indication of the phylogenetic relationship of the parental species. Of the 12 possible hybrid crosses, fertilization of eggs was obtained in all crosses and hatching was obtained in all crosses except ♀ Pomoxis × ♂ Micropterus and ♀ Pomoxis × ♂ Chaenobryttus. Offspring survived to a size of 2.5 inches total length or larger in the following five crosses: ♀ Micropterus × ♂ Chaenobryttus, ♀ Chaenobryttus × ♂ Micropterus, ♀ Chaenobryttus × ♂ Lepomis, ♀ Pomoxis × ♂ Lepomis, and ♀ Micropterus × ♂ Lepomis. Only Chaenobryttus × Lepomis has previously been reported. Further studies are underway to determine the growth and reproductive characteristics of three of the hybrid types.