Reproductive and Early Life History of Nonindigenous Red Shiner in the Chattahoochee River Drainage, Georgia

Abstract

This study quantified the reproductive and early life-history characteristics of nonindigenous populations of Cyprinella lutrensis (Red Shiner) introduced into two tributaries of the Chattahoochee River, GA. Red Shiners had a maximum age of at least two years and a peak breeding season from May through July, with intermittent spawning in both populations. The presence of small individuals late in the year suggests the potential for Red Shiners to spawn in their first summer of life in both study streams. Whereas these life histories are similar to those previously described for this species, these results suggest the potential for nonindigenous Red Shiners to successfully expand and establish populations in additional areas within the Chattahoochee River drainage.