Examining the Ontogenetic Diet Shift of Black Crappie in Cutler Reservoir, Utah
Location
Eccles Conference Center
Event Website
http://water.usu.edu/
Start Date
3-27-2006 10:00 AM
End Date
3-27-2006 10:05 AM
Description
The role of food availability in structuring fish communities is complex. Fish often demonstrate preferences for one food type over another, and these food items typically vary spatially and temporally. One important consideration in diet preferences is the ontogenetic shift in trophic position fish undergo as they mature from juveniles to adults. I have investigated the ontogenetic diet shift of black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) in Cutler Reservoir, a shallow eutrophic impoundment located on the Bear River in northern Utah, USA. Cutler Reservoir contains a diverse and abundant fish community however; little information describing the aquatic ecosystem is currently available. I analyzed the stomach contents of black crappie in order to evaluate diet preference and determine whether an ontogenetic diet shift occurs from zooplanktivory to piscivory, and at what size or stage of maturity. Based on the data for Cutler Reservoir, black crappies appear to undergo a pronounced shift in diet as they enter their second year of growth; approximately 150 mm in length. This information will be used to determine role Black crappie play in the aquatic community of Cutler Reservoir.
Examining the Ontogenetic Diet Shift of Black Crappie in Cutler Reservoir, Utah
Eccles Conference Center
The role of food availability in structuring fish communities is complex. Fish often demonstrate preferences for one food type over another, and these food items typically vary spatially and temporally. One important consideration in diet preferences is the ontogenetic shift in trophic position fish undergo as they mature from juveniles to adults. I have investigated the ontogenetic diet shift of black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) in Cutler Reservoir, a shallow eutrophic impoundment located on the Bear River in northern Utah, USA. Cutler Reservoir contains a diverse and abundant fish community however; little information describing the aquatic ecosystem is currently available. I analyzed the stomach contents of black crappie in order to evaluate diet preference and determine whether an ontogenetic diet shift occurs from zooplanktivory to piscivory, and at what size or stage of maturity. Based on the data for Cutler Reservoir, black crappies appear to undergo a pronounced shift in diet as they enter their second year of growth; approximately 150 mm in length. This information will be used to determine role Black crappie play in the aquatic community of Cutler Reservoir.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/runoff/2006/AllPosters/13