Lake Ontario and Great Lakes kiyi COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 5

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Habitat

Habitat requirements

The kiyi prefers the deepest parts of lakes in which it is found. It is rarely collected in waters less than 108m deep, and has been reported at depths ranging from 35m to 200m (Koelz 1929, Pritchard 1931, Hile and Deason 1947, Dryer 1966, Anderson and Smith 1971, Scott and Crossman 1998). As a result, it lives in a clear, poorly lit, cold water environment year round. Little else is known about its habitat preferences, although Koelz (1929) noted that kiyi were collected over bottoms of clay and mud substrate.

Trends

The preferred deepwater habitat of kiyi has likely changed little over time (Allen et al. 1969, Berst and Spangler 1973, Lawrie and Rahrer 1973).

Protection/ownership

The Great Lakes are publicly owned, and all fish habitat within the lakes are protected by the Federal Fisheries Act.