In clearer southern impoundments where threadfin shad are abundant, what percentage of diet can small shad constitute for large crappie?
Answer
Over 60 percent during peak feeding times
The geographical location heavily influences the breakdown of the white crappie diet. In specific environments, like clearer southern impoundments that possess a high abundance of threadfin shad, the dietary composition shifts drastically to favor these small fish. During periods of peak feeding activity, it has been observed that the diets of larger crappie in these systems can consist of more than 60 percent small shad. This contrasts sharply with reservoirs having stained water where sight-feeding baitfish density is lower, leading to a diet dominated more consistently by insects and invertebrates throughout the year.
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