Ohio State University Extension Bulletin

Diagnosis And Prevention Of Fish Kills

59. The most common cause of fish kills in Ohio is:

A. Pesticides which accidently enter the pond
B. Natural mortality
C. Suffocation due to a lack of oxygen
D. Runoff from barnyards, cropland, and septic tanks

60. An inversion or turnover may result when:

A. A strong wind occurs during late spring or early summer
B. A large rain creates an inflow
C. A rapid temperature change occurs
D. All of the above

61. Agricultural pesticides cause only a small percentage of fish kills. Which class of pesticides are considered most toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms?

A. Herbicides
B. Miticides
C. Fungicides
D. Insecticides

62. The cooler layer of water in the bottom of the pond has less potential to hold more oxygen because it is denser.

A. True
B. False

63. Which of the following would prevent oxygen depletion?

A. Using an aerator
B. Utilizing a good aquatic weed control program
C. Keeping portions of the ice free of snow in the winter
D. All of the above

64. Oxygen levels in a pond would be highest at:

A. Sunrise
B. Noon
C. Midday
D. Midnight

65. Cloudy, cool, or rainy weather can cause some algae scums to die.

A. True
B. False

66. Once a fish kill is in process, little can be done to stop it.

A. True
B. False

Answers For -Diagnosis And Prevention Of Fish Kills

59. Correct Answer: C, OPM

Explanation: The most common cause of fish kills in Ohio is suffocation due to lack of oxygen.

60. Correct Answer: D, OPM

Explanation: A turnover results when a strong wind, rapid temperature change, or inflow of a large volume of cold water causes the upper layer of water to be replaced by the lower layer of oxygen -deficient water.

61. Correct Answer: D, OPM

Explanation: Agricultural pesticides, particularly insecticides, may be toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms if they enter a pond in aufficient quantities.

62. Correct Answer: B, OPM

Explanation: The bottom, cooler layer of water in the pond has the potential to hold more oxygen than the top layer because it is denser. However, the lack of photosynthesis and the decomposition of organic matter actually results in a lower level of dissolved oxygen compared to the top layer.

63. Correct Answer: D, ILL

Explanation: Using an aerator, controlling weeds so they don't decompose, and keeping snow off the ice in the winter are all ways to prevent oxygen depletion.

64. Correct Answer: B, ILL

Explanation: Plants cease photosynthesizing at night but continue to utilize oxygen for respiration. Thus, oxygen levels are lowest just before sunrise and highest at midday.

65. Correct Answer: A, ILL

Explanation: In some cases, cloudy, cool, or rainy weather can cause algae scums to die. The death and rapid decomposition of these algae can reduce dissolved oxygen content from 8 to 0 parts per million within 24 hours.

66. Correct Answer: A, ILL

Explanation: Once a fish kill is in progress, little can be done to stop it. Aeration should be provided, but sometimes even aeration cannot overcome the oxygen deficit.


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