Effects of tag location on detection rates of visible implanted elastomer (Vie) tags in juvenile silver perch, bidyanus bidyanus (mitchell) and Australian bass, macquaria novemaculeata (steindachner)

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of tag location and time upon visibility rates of Visual Implant Elastomer (VIE) tags implanted in juvenile silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus and Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata. These are two popular angling species widely stocked in southeast Queensland, NSW and Victoria. Tag visibility was excellent with rates generally exceeding 90% after 8 months. Only in the front dorsal location was visibility less than 90% after 8 months. These results suggest that VIE tags provide a suitable method for batch tagging juvenile silver perch and Australian bass. The most successful and practical tag locations for Australian bass and silver perch appear to be adjacent to the rear of the dorsal fin and adjacent to the anal fin. Results indicate this tagging technology should be useful for many short-to medium-term studies involving these two species.