Seasonal variations in RNA–DNA ratios and in indicators of feeding, reproduction, energy storage, and condition in a population of bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque

Liver and epaxial muscle RNA concentrations and RNA‐DNA ratios (RNA/DNA) of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus from a central Tennessee lake were maximum in the spring, low during the summer, high again in the fall, and low during the winter. Liver‐somatic indexes and DNA concentrations indicated that liver cell volume and energy storage varied seasonally and were lowest during late spring and summer. Seasonal variations in gonosomatic indexes were typical of this species, and RNA/DNA decreased as gonads matured during the spring. RNA/DNA and energy storage in the liver decreased during the major spawning season. Seasonal variations in food consumption may have effected seasonal growth and energy storage. However, a summer depression in RNA/DNA may have been more closely associated with the effects of thermal stratification and dissolved oxygen stress.