Lethality of Electroshock to Two Freshwater Fishes

The lethality of electroshock to fish was examined by subjecting fantail darters (Etheostoma fiabellare) and bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) to levels and patterns of pulsating direct current electricity within the ranges commonly employed in the collection of fish in the field. Mortality of fish exposed to pulsating direct current increased with increased pulse frequency and exposure time. However, mor- talities were negligible among fish exposed for 15 s or less, regardless of the electrical characteristics.