Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Fisheries
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Timothy Spier, PhD
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus are a highly sought sportfish known for their size potential, but their ecological behavior in large reservoirs remain poorly understood. In this study, we looked at how Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus move vertically in Kentucky Lake. We used acoustic tags with depth sensors to measure the movement of Redear Sunfish both diurnally and seasonally within Kentucky Lake.
During the day, Redear Sunfish occupied significantly deeper waters compared to dawn, dusk, and night (p < 0.0001.). Many fish, including the species in the Lepomis genus, may have a preference for specific light levels for optimal foraging and predation avoidance, even if predation is not the primary concern at larger sizes. This daily pattern was consistent through most seasons, except on average the fish were deeper during the winter season (p < 0.0001).
Understanding the movement patterns of Redear Sunfish is essential for effective species management, especially as their popularity grows and they potentially compete with the invasive Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus.
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Sigma Xi Poster Competition
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Depth Patterns of Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus in Kentucky Lake
Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus are a highly sought sportfish known for their size potential, but their ecological behavior in large reservoirs remain poorly understood. In this study, we looked at how Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus move vertically in Kentucky Lake. We used acoustic tags with depth sensors to measure the movement of Redear Sunfish both diurnally and seasonally within Kentucky Lake.
During the day, Redear Sunfish occupied significantly deeper waters compared to dawn, dusk, and night (p < 0.0001.). Many fish, including the species in the Lepomis genus, may have a preference for specific light levels for optimal foraging and predation avoidance, even if predation is not the primary concern at larger sizes. This daily pattern was consistent through most seasons, except on average the fish were deeper during the winter season (p < 0.0001).
Understanding the movement patterns of Redear Sunfish is essential for effective species management, especially as their popularity grows and they potentially compete with the invasive Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus.