Floodplain habitat use and movements of two centrarchids within pool B of the Kissimmee River, Florida

Floodplains are important elements of river-floodplain systems. Numerous riverine fishes utilize floodplain habitats for reproduction, feeding, and protection. Largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish were tracked using radiotelemetry, and environmental parameters were measured at fish locations. Bass and bluegill used habitats with the same physical and chemical characteristics. Floodplain habitats were utilized frequently, as much as main river channel habitats. Fishes used habitats dominated by vegetation, with sand substrates, and that were more stable with regard to environmental conditions. Largemouth bass were more mobile than bluegill sunfish. Fish movements may have been in response to unfavorable environmental conditions, as more mobile fishes were associated with higher water temperatures and lower concentrations of dissolved oxygen.