Effect of Turbidity on Growth of Black Crappie and White Crappie

Abstract

Studies suggest that white crappies Pomoxis annularis are more tolerant of turbid water than black crappies P. nigromaculatus. To determine whether white crappie tolerance of turbid water is related to growth rate, we stocked juveniles and adults of both species into Illinois ponds having mean turbidities that ranged from 7 to 174 Formazin turbidity units. After 25 weeks, fish were recaptured and their growth in length and weight were measured. Linear regression analysis showed that growth was similar for both species across a range of turbidities. Although crappie growth in small ponds was not affected by turbidity, in larger bodies of water crappies might be indirectly influenced by factors that are correlated with turbidity, such as submerged vegetation.