Despite tolerating turbidity, what environmental factor correlates with demonstrably better growth rates for White Crappie?

Answer

Clearer water

While the White Crappie's defining trait is its superior tolerance for turbidity—allowing it to successfully colonize and exploit murky reservoirs and oxbow lakes where competitors like the Black Crappie struggle—this tolerance does not equate to optimal growth conditions. The text indicates that turbidity acts as a significant environmental stressor. When White Crappie inhabit systems where the water clarity is higher, their growth rates are actually observed to be better. This suggests that while they are adapted to survive and expand their range into murky habitats, reaching maximum potential size and development occurs more readily in clearer water environments where visibility aids feeding efficiency or reduces physiological stress.

Despite tolerating turbidity, what environmental factor correlates with demonstrably better growth rates for White Crappie?

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