Shoal Bass Nesting and Associated Habitat in the Chipola River, Florida

Shoal bass Micropterus cataractae are a black bass species endemic to limited sections within the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, and Flint River systems in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.  The restricted range of this species has resulted in a paucity of history information.  Furthermore, knowledge regarding the reproductive ecology and nesting habitat requirements of shoal bass coincides with the objectives of the Southeast Native Black Bass Keystone Initiative.  The objectives of this study were to describe and document shoal bass nesting, associated habitat, and nest-specific environmental variables in the Chipola River, Florida, a tributary of the Apalachicola River.  Shoal bass nesting was documented from mid-April to mid-May during 2011 and 2012.  Average nest depth was 102 cm (SE = 3.2) and the average water temperature was 22.6^oC (SE = 0.2).  Available macrohabitat for the Chipola River was quantified using Humminbird Side Imaging sonar and classified into four substrate types: bedrock, boulder, rocky fine, and sand-gravel.  Through the use of radio telemetry and visual observation, 89 nests were located and used to quantify macrohabitat selection or use.  Greater than 80% of all nests were in either boulder (17% availability) or rocky fine (27% availability) macrohabitats.  Additional information including discharge, microhabitat substrate within the nest, and current velocity were also noted.  Determining shoal bass nesting habitats and associated parameters will provide managers with the knowledge needed for future habitat protection and enhancement in the Chipola River, Florida.