Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum were collected in 23 and threadfin shad D.
petenense were collected in 22 of the 60 Florida lakes sampled. Logistic r
egression equations were 94% effective for predicting gizzard shad occurren
ce from chlorophyll and lake surface area, and 84% effective for predicting
threadfin shad occurrence from lake surface area and lake volume inhabited
(PVI). Occurrence of both shad species was related positively to lake size
. In lakes where gizzard shad or threadfin shad were collected, shad densit
y and biomass of both shad species were related positively to chlorophyll.
Gizzard shad populations were generally vulnerable to predation in lakes, w
ith the percent of gizzard shad less than or equal to 200mm L-gamma values
exceeding 60% with few exceptions. Effects of gizzard shad and threadfin sh
ad on fish community dynamics may be confined to relatively large (> 100 ha
) and fertile (chlorophyll > 20-30 mu g 1(-1)) Florida lakes. (C) 2000 The
Fisheries Society of the British Isles.