ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BLACK CRAPPIE (POMOXIS-NIGROMACULATUS) NESTING SITES IN 2 SOUTH-DAKOTA WATERS

A biotelemetry study was undertaken during spring 1995 to identify bla ck crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) nesting sites in two South Dakota water bodies. Individually coded ultrasonic transmitters were implante d into the body cavity of 15 adult male black crappie in each water bo dy prior to spawning. Available habitat characteristics were recorded at 75 randomly selected sites within each water body, and habitat char acteristics at nesting sites were recorded for each male black crappie believed to be nesting. Of the habitat characteristics analyzed, only substrate firmness did not differ (P = 0.79) between water bodies. In Richmond Lake, black crappie selected nesting sites with live cattail s (Typha spp.) that were protected from prevailing south winds. In Bra nt Lake, black crappie selected nest sites with vegetation (usually wo ody debris) and silty substrate that had warmer water and were protect ed from wind and waves. It appeared that black crappie nested in the m ost protected areas available.