Re: NANFA-- Banded Killi Conservation

R. W. Wolff (choupiqu-in-wctc.net)
Thu, 20 May 2004 11:23:48 -0500

I have noticed in area lakes that the diaphanous populations go down during
drought years. They seem to like shallow sandy beach areas with some weed
growth. If the drought pulls water back to the main lake basin eliminating
shallow shorelines, they seem to go down hill. They are quick to repopulate
when their habitat returns if water levels rise. Another plus is these areas
located on the north sides of lakes to take advantage of sun in the early
and late parts of the season, extending the spawning season and warmth for
young fish. Super clean swimming type beaches are not used that much by
diaphanous. They seem to prefer the ones with emergent growth along shore,
and strong weed lines as the water depth gets over a foot or two, and debri
scattered on the sand.

The same probably holds true in streams they inhabit.Channelization would
probably be a cause for decline. Shallow wide runs of the streams seem to be
preferred habitat, with the same cover as the lake habitat I described.

One lake in particular was hit by drought-in-the end of the 80's. Before
that diapanous were everywhere. This was a glacial pot hole lake, and the
low water drained the shallow wide area around the edge of this lake, making
it into a steep sided lake. When water levels came back in the mid 90's, so
did the diaphanous. This cycle repeated itself again after that.

Ray W.
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