Interactions between substrate and temperature preference in adult American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides)

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the substrate preference of American plaice and the interaction between substrate and temperature p reference. when given a choice of several substrate types, American plaice clearly preferred substrates that had a liner particle size than gravel, bu t did not totally avoid any substrate type. When given a choice between san d and gravel, they clearly preferred sand. Preference for substrate took pr ecedence over temperature preference down to a temperature of -1.0 degreesC . An examination of held data showed that American plaice were widely distr ibuted across both gravel and sand substrates at temperatures above and bel ow -1.0 degreesC. Broad tolerances of substrate and temperature are probabl y a factor in this species' wide distribution throughout the northwest Atla ntic.