Seasonal dynamics of direct and indirect condition indices in relation to energy allocation in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede)

We investigated several indices (relative weight, mesentery fat, hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, muscle index and visceral somatic index) of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede) as a function of season, gender and length to determine how these indices changed with energy content. Length was a significant influence in all comparisons of monthly index measurements, with the exception of the muscle index. All indices, except for the gonadosomatic index, showed few significant differences between sexes for all length groups. Generally, index values were associated with seasonal changes in prey relative abundance and temperature, and the reproductive cycle in mature fish. Total body energy was most influenced by muscle energy stores. Hepatic and gonadal energy of large, sexually mature females decreased considerably with the onset of spawning. Muscle and hepatic energy, to a lesser extent, supported gonadal development. Muscle index values closely tracked seasonal changes in muscle energy, thus providing a useful tool for evaluating seasonal growth and energy patterns. The hepatosomatic index responded to changes in body condition of small and medium fish until June, after which further increases in plumpness caused the utility of this index to decrease. The mesentery fat index provided a useful measure of stored energy available for long-term needs, relative to other energy depots. Seasonal dynamics of invasive condition indices must be considered in light of rapid increases or decreases in body weight (e.g., spawning loss of gametes).