Nest-site preference in male fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas
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Nest-site preference in fish is not often studied, and yet it should yield insight into their successful reproduction. I placed three sizes of artificial nest structures at three depths and on two sides of a Michigan pond to investigate nest usage patterns by male fathead minnows. Of 93 artificial nest structures available, 18 were used as nests. Northern nest sites were used more than southern sites, and structures of 100 and 200cm2 were used more than those of 50cm2. There was no differential use of structures between depths of 0.25 and 1m. Other site preferences and alternative male mating strategies were also suggested.
