Greetings,

Being new to the list, an introduction is in order. I'm a student of
animal behavior at Towson University which is located in Towson,
Maryland, USA. My interests include animal cognition and sexual
selection, while my interests in fish originate from being an avid scuba
diver.

I had an interesting experience while diving a quarry near Altoona,
Pennsylvania last spring. I happened upon a cluster of approximately 20
bluegill sunfish nests located at a depth of 2 meters. One nest which
was located in the center of the cluster appeared to be decorated with
the shells of a freshwater clam. 5 clam shells were scattered across the
nest, the brilliant white interior of each clam shell facing upwards. No
other nest had clam shells located within.

My literature searches have failed to turn-up any references concerning
the use of nest decorations by bluegills. I'd be very interested in
receiving any information that list members might have. You are welcome
to contact me privately - I'll post the responses I receive to the list
at a later date.

Regards,
Robert Kummerer

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