Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Analysis of Spawning Characteristics of Crappie within Kentucky Lake
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Fisheries/Aquatic Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Timothy Spier
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Kentucky Lake is home to two of the most sought-after fish species in the United States: the White Crappie Pomoxis annularis and the Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus. The hydrology of the lake is believed to have an impact on the crappie population. For example, Kentucky Lake fluctuates from 107.9 meters in the winter to 109.4 meters in the summer, and the crappie spawn occurs during the transitional period between winter and summer pool. Crappie sometimes skip spawning due to environmental influences; however, environmental factors alone do not fully explain the variability in crappie spawning success observed from year to year. We collected mature crappies at biweekly intervals during the spawn and measured their size, age, GSI, liver color, and, for the females, egg number, size, and color. We intend to relate these values to the timing of the spawn, and we hope to use this information to understand the difference between female crappie which spawn and those which do not spawn. Understanding the intricate interplay of these factors is crucial for developing more effective management strategies to enhance crappie spawning success in Kentucky Lake.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Analysis of Spawning Characteristics of Crappie within Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Lake is home to two of the most sought-after fish species in the United States: the White Crappie Pomoxis annularis and the Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus. The hydrology of the lake is believed to have an impact on the crappie population. For example, Kentucky Lake fluctuates from 107.9 meters in the winter to 109.4 meters in the summer, and the crappie spawn occurs during the transitional period between winter and summer pool. Crappie sometimes skip spawning due to environmental influences; however, environmental factors alone do not fully explain the variability in crappie spawning success observed from year to year. We collected mature crappies at biweekly intervals during the spawn and measured their size, age, GSI, liver color, and, for the females, egg number, size, and color. We intend to relate these values to the timing of the spawn, and we hope to use this information to understand the difference between female crappie which spawn and those which do not spawn. Understanding the intricate interplay of these factors is crucial for developing more effective management strategies to enhance crappie spawning success in Kentucky Lake.