FALL HABITAT SELECTION BY WHITE CRAPPIE (POMOXIS
ANNULATUS) IN A SMALL RIVERINE WETLAND POND

Jennifer Steinbrecher
Environmental Sciences Program, University of Dubuque, 2000 University
Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa 52001

In order to assess the potential use of artificial habitat structures in Heron Pond,
Chaplain Schmitt Island, Dubuque, Iowa.  Radio transmitters were surgically
implanted in four white crappie (Pomoxis annulatus), ranging in size from 18-27
cm.  Their movements were tracked during October 1997.  Water quality variables
(temperature and dissolved oxygen) were measured at each location.  Habitat
structures were detected using a paper readout fish detector. It was found that the
fish ignored the structures, not surprising since they were in water approximately
3-4 meters deep, and out of the photic zone.  The fish instead located themselves
initially near some snags in the water, then moved to deeper water near the inlet to
the pond.  At this time, the pond was undergoing fall overturn, and so was well-mixed.  No correlations between fish location and abiotic habitat variables were
detected.

Keywords:  artificial reefs, white crappie, radiotelemetry, habitat selection.


Jennifer Steinbrecher
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa  52001
(319)589-3598
Fax (319)556-8633
email   jsteinbr@univ.dbq.edu
Poster
Student Author