We observed diel patterns in CPUE, size and age-structure for freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) from Alabama waters during May–July 2003 . Drum were significantly more susceptible to capture along shoreline habitat at night. CPUE of freshwater drum was often zero during the day and increased up to 84.5 fish * h−1 at night suggesting that many drum shift location to nearshore habitat after dark. Drum captured at night were also significantly smaller and younger that drum captured during the day. Age-0 drum were the most abundant age-class in nighttime samples whereas age-8 drum were the most abundant age-class in daytime samples. The dynamic interplay between food availability and predation on juvenile fish likely drives diel habitat shifts of freshwater drum.
Translator Disclaimer
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
The American Midland Naturalist
Vol. 157 • No. 1
January 2007
Vol. 157 • No. 1
January 2007
diel
diurnal
freshwater drum
nocturnal
predation, movement
