Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Allen, Peter

Committee Member

Mischke, Charles

Committee Member

Correa, Sandra

Date of Degree

8-7-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Abstract

White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis) is a popular species, commonly propagated in hatcheries to support fisheries and supplement natural populations during cyclical declines. However, limited information exists regarding the effects of extended broodstock holding periods (>4 weeks), which are critical for enhancing flexibility in hatchery practices. Furthermore, rearing larval-to-juvenile crappie in outdoor ponds would greatly benefit from optimized fertilization and stocking densities to improve growth and survival rates. Additionally, dietary preferences during early life stages remain poorly understood, yet are essential for maximizing production efficiency. This study found holding broodstock for > 6 weeks can significantly reduce fertilization percentages. We also found stocking density significantly influenced growth and survival in outdoor rearing ponds. Lastly, there was a clear dietary shift where crappie increasingly selected larger zooplankton as they transitioned from larvae to juveniles. Addressing these gaps will help hatcheries enhance rearing protocols and meet annual stocking goals more efficiently.

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