Bythotrephes Cederstroemi in Ohio Reservoirs: Evidence from Fish Diets

Abstract

The invading European cladoceran Bythotrephes cederstroemi, previously reported in North America from the Great Lakes and inland lakes in Ontario and Minnesota, was found in diets of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from three Ohio reservoirs in the Ohio River drainage, representing a potential expansion of the range of this exotic species. In summer 1996 samples, we found B. cederstroemi in the stomachs of small largemouth bass (37.0-115.0 mm total length) from Knox, Pleasant Hill, and Tappan Reservoirs, all within the Muskingum River watershed. Although uncommon, B. cederstroemi occurred in diets collected during mid July and late August.