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Results for “Journal of Freshwater Ecology”

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At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
USGS2002

Effects of Photoperiod on Behavior and Courtship of the Neosho madtom (Noturus placidus)

To test effects of long and short day-length on behavior of the Neosho madtom ( Noturus placidus ), we held six pairs of fish in separate tanks under 16 hr (L): 8 hr (D) (long-day) and six pairs under 12 hr (L): 12 hr (D) (short-day) photoperiods. An ethogram was created and behavior was electronically and continuously recorded. Two-minute intervals for each hour over four 4-day periods were examined, and proportion of time active and performing specific behaviors in each tank was analyzed to compare differences between treatments. Individuals held under 16 L, 8 D were more active during the light cycle than those in 12 L, 12 D. Specific behaviors examined included resting, swimming, feeding, aggression, cavity enhancement, and courtship. A higher proportion of time was spent performing cavity enhancement, cavities were deeper, and gravel size in cavities was smaller for those fish in the long-day treatment. Throughout the experiment various courtship behaviors were observed in male-female pairs held in 16 L, 8 D, but no such behaviors were observed in 12L, 12D. The relationships between a long photoperiod and activity, cavity enhancement, and courtship behaviors illustrate the influence of photoperiod on the Neosho madtom reproductive cycle.

Journal of Freshwater Ecology↗
USGS2002

A comparison of diets of blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) and threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) in a large southeastern U.S. Reservoir

The objective of this study was to determine dietary overlap between blueback herring and threadfin shad in J. Strom Thrumond Reservoir, South Carolina/Georgia. We also evaluated prey selectivity for each speices and diet differences between two size categories of blueback herring. Diet and zooplankton samples were collected every other month from April 1992 to February 1994. We examined stomachs containing prey from 170 large blueback herring (>140mm), 96 small blueback herring (<140mm), and 109 threadfin shad, and we also examined 45 zooplankton samples. Large blueback herring diets differed significantly from threadfin shad diets on 11 of 12 sampling dates, and small blueback herring diets differed from threadfin shad diets on all sampling dates. In general, blueback herring consumed proportionally more copepods and fewer Bosmina sp. and rotifers than threadfin shad. Large and small blueback herring diets were significantly different on five of eight sampling dates, primarily due to the tendency of small blueback herring to eat proportionally more Bosmina sp. than large blueback herring. Both blueback herring and threadfin shad fed selectively during some periods of the year. Diet differences between the species may contribute to their coexistence; however, both blueback herring and threadfin shad showed a strong preference for Bosmina sp., increasing the chance that they may negatively influence one another.

Georgia, South Carolina↗
USGS2003

Biological characteristics of the blue sucker in the James River and the Big Sioux River, South Dakota

Little is known about the relative abundance and biology of the blue sucker ( Cycleptus elongatus ), a species that may be declining in some parts of its range. We described the age, growth, condition, length distribution, and habitat preference of the blue sucker in two South Dakota rivers. Specimens were collected from the James River (n=74) and Big Sioux River (n=28) during the summer of 2000. Although five macrohabitats were sampled with electrofishing and hoopnets, most individuals were collected from riffle habitats and downstream of rock dams. Total length-weight relationships were log 10 W= −6.14+3.37 (log 10 L) (r 2 = 0.92) for blue suckers from the James River and log 10 W= −6.52+3.50(log 10 L) (r 2 = 0.97) for fish from the Big Sioux River. Mean condition factors (K = W(10 5 )/L 3 ) of blue suckers were 0.79 (SE = 0.07) for the James River and 0.73 (SE = 0.07) for the Big Sioux River. Blue suckers between 500 and 700 mm dominated length distributions (range = 374–717 mm) of both samples. Ages ranged from two to nine years, but six-year-old fish were captured most frequently. Blue suckers grew rapidly during juvenile stages (< age 5); however, growth slowed afterward.

South Dakota↗
USGS2003

Distribution and movement of juvenile paddlefish in a mainstem Missouri River reservoir

Hatchery-raised paddlefish ( Polyodon spathula ) were implanted with ultrasonic transmitters and tracked from August to November 1998 and March to November of 1999 and 2000 to determine diel movements and seasonal distribution in Lake Francis Case. South Dakota. Juvenile (340 to 432 mm eye to fork length) paddlefish (N=32) exhibited variable movement patterns but remained in the upper reservoir reaches throughout the three-year study. Movement rates ranged hm 35 to 3,464 m/h with 90% of all locations in the upper third (51 kml of the reservoir. Increased movement rates were weakly correlated with increased water temperature (r=0.16, P=0.04). Daytime paddlefish movement peaked in July and August. However, diel movements were variable among seasons. In spring, movement rates did not differ among diel periods, whereas summer movements were lower during crepuscular periods and fall movements were lowest during the day. Although paddlefish were stocked at two locations in Lake Francis Case, they appeared to disperse and use reservoir areas similarly.

Missouri↗
USGS2003

Cladoceran zooplankton abundance under clear and snow-covered ice

We described the distribution of cladoceran zooplankton under the ice in a natural, glacial lake. Local light availability apparently altered the spatial distribution of cladocerans. Light levels measured under snow-covered areas (0.178 lux) were an order of magnitude less than those measured at the same depth under clear ice (1.750 lux). Cladoceran density under snow-covered areas was significantly higher ( Bosmina spp.=3.34/L; Daphnia spp.=0.61/L) than cladoceran abundance under clear ice ( Bosmina spp.=O.91/L; Daphnia spp.= O.19/L).

Journal of Freshwater Ecology↗
USGS2003

Fish community responses to the establishment of a piscivore, northern pike (Esox lucius), in a Nebraska Sandhill lake

Northern pike ( Esox lucius ) was first documented in West Long Lake, Nebraska, in 1998 when two pike <380 mm were collected. In 2002, a Peterson mark-recapture population estimate on northern pike revealed density and standing stock (i.e., biomass) estimates of 35.8 fish/ha (95% CI= ± 8.8) and 22.0 kg/ha (95% CI= ± 5.4), respectively. Consequently, West Long Lake was sampled in 2002 to compare relative abundance, size structure, and growth of bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ), largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ), and yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ) prior to and after the establishment of a high-density northern pike population. Bluegill, largemouth bass, and yellow perch relative abundances were significantly lower in 2002 than 1998. Similarly, size structures of all three species were significantly different between years. Size structure declined for both bluegill and yellow perch, and increased for largemouth bass. Growth was significantly higher for bluegill, largemouth bass, and yellow perch in 2002 than 1998. While the fish community changes were expected with the establishment of northern pike, they occurred in a relatively short time period (i.e., four years).

Nebraska↗
USGS2003

Relationship among side channels, fish assemblages, and environmental gradients in the unimpounded Upper Mississippi River

We analyzed fish abundance and environmental data collected over nine years from six side channels of the unimpounded upper Mississippi River between river km 46.7 and 128.7. A partial canonical correspondence analysis revealed differences in fish assemblages and environmental factors correlated with the six side channels. Fishes correlated with open side channels represented large river species tolerant of current and/or turbidity. Fishes correlated with closed side channels represented assemblages preferring either moderate to low turbidity/current or pools.

Upper Mississippi River Valley↗
USGS2003

Egg-to-fry survival of two strains of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in stream incubators under laboratory conditions

Egg-to-fry survival of two strains of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was evaluated under laboratory conditions in two commercial stream egg incubators. The survival was also examined based on egg developmental stage (i.e., green eggs, eyed egggs, advanced eggs). There was no significant difference in survival of eggs in the Jordan-Scotty and Whitlock-Vibert incubators. However, the survival of Sebago strain Atlantic slamon eggs was significantly higher than that of Penobscot stream eggs, and survival increased with advanced egg developmental stage.

Journal of Freshwater Ecology↗
USGS2003

Aquatic invertebrate assemblages in shallow prairie lakes: Fish and environmental influences

We sampled zooplankton and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in 30 shallow natural lakes to determine the effects of the environment (i.e., habitat and fish abundance) on invertebrates. Zooplankters were identified to genus, and up to 120 individuals per genus were measured. Macroinvertebrates were identified to order, class, or family. Fish communities were also sampled. Relative abundances of zooplankton and macroinvertebrates were low at increased chlorophyll a concentrations, although mean zooplankton length increased with total phosphorus, possibly because of an increased proportion of microzooplankton (rotifers and copepod nauplii) at higher phosphorus levels. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that zooplankton and macroinvertebrate abundance was influenced by submersed vegetation coverage, whereas zooplankton abundance and size structure were also related to productivity (i.e., chlorophyll a and total phosphorus). However, relative abundance of fish species or fish feeding guilds was not strongly correlated with zooplankton or macroinvertebrate abundance or zooplankton size structure. Physical habitat (e.g., vegetation coverage) may exert substantial influences on invertebrate assemblages in these lakes , possibly providing a refuge from fish predation.

Journal of Freshwater Ecology↗
USGS2003

Demographics and chronology of a spawning aggregation of blue sucker ( Cycleptus elongatus ) in the Grand River, Missouri, USA

The blue sucker ( Cycleptus elongatus ) was sampled as individuals arrived, spawned, and departed from a spawning rime in the Grand River of northcentral Missouri, USA. The Grand River basin was not known to support blue sucker reproduction with few individuals ever recorded. The spawning site is unique in character for the lower river. Individuals began arriving in early April when water temperatures reached 10&ndash;12&deg;C. Females with freely-flowing roe were sampled in late April after a large rise in river stage and concurrent lowering of the water temperature 4&ndash;5 degrees to 16.5&deg;C. The spawning aggregation had a mean age of 15 y and ranged from 9 to 22 y based on scales that probably underestimated true ages. Males outnumbered females 5.5:1. Mean length was 659 mm for males and 721 mm for females. Females were longer at age than males and no significant age-length relationship was evident.

Missouri↗
USGS2003

Snorkeling as an alternative to depletion electrofishing for assessing cutthroat trout and brown trout in stream pools

We compared abundance and length structure estimates of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) of 15 cm total length or greater obtained by snorkeling in stream pools with estimates obtained by depletion electrofishing . We sampled 12 pools in each of two streams formed by large springs in the Salt River Valley of western Wyoming. Snorkeling counts provided a relatively accurate index of depletion electrofishing estimates of abundance of cutthroat trout , but not brown trout . Linear regression analysis showed that snorkeling counts were significantly related to depletion electrofishing estimates for both cutthroat trout (P < 0.001) and brown trout (P = 0.002), but the coefficient of determination for brown trout (r 2 = 0.33) was low compared to cutthroat trout (r 2 = 0.95). Frequencies of fish in three length classes observed by snorkeling and depletion electrofishing were close to being significantly different for cutthroat trout (P = 0.066) and substantially different for brown trout (P= 0.005). Snorkeling frequently failed to observe fish in the shortest length class (15–29 cm total length) of both cutthroat trout and brown trout .

Journal of Freshwater Ecology↗
USGS2003

Habitat selection of the channel darter, Percina (Cottogaster) copelandi, a surrogate for the imperiled pearl darter, Percina aurora

Percina (Cottogaster) aurora is an imperiled species under consideration for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To better understand habitat use of P. aurora , we studied a related and more abundant Cottogaster species, Percina copelandi , from the Ouachita River, Arkansas. We used a laboratory stream system to examine mesohabitat selection (pools versus riffles) and microhabitat selection (substratum particle size) of P. copelandi over three temperature regimes (summer, spring, and winter). Percina copelandi selected pool habitats over riffles and selected pools with coarse substrata ( e.g. , cobble) over fine substrata ( e.g. , gravel). In riffles, P. copelandi selected large substrata during winter and spring but did not show particle size selection during summer. These data, and various published and unpublished field data for P. aurora , suggest that habitat use of P. aurora is also centered around deep runs and pools, with large substrata likely being more important at low water temperatures.

Journal of Freshwater Ecology↗
USGS2004

Fishes and habitat characteristics of the Keya Paha River, South Dakota-Nebraska

Fishes were collected in four mainstem reaches and eight tributary reaches in the Keya Paha River basin during May and June 2002. Most reaches were characteristically run habitats with sand substrates and riparian pastures. Data were combined with historical records to construct a basin-wide ichthyofaunal list which comprised 38 species from seven families. Dominant species were sand shiners ( Notropis ludibundus ; 47%), red shiners ( Cyprinella lutrensis ; 37%), and brassy minnows ( Hybognathus hankinsoni ; 8%). Dominant game species were bluegill ( Lepomis machrochirus ) and channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ). We found one species previously listed as rare in South Dakota - plains topminnow ( Fundulus sciadicus ), and four species not previously found in the Keya Paha River - silver chub ( Macrhybopsis storeriana ), river carpsucker ( Carpiodes carpio ), northern pike ( Esox Indus ), yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ).

Nebraska, South Dakota↗
USGS2004

Elevation and stream-size thresholds affect distributions of native and exotic warmwater fishes in Wyoming

This study was conducted to assess the influence of elevation and stream width on the occurrence of 28 native and six exotic fish species using data collected (1954-2003) from 1,114 stream reaches in Wyoming. Medians and ranges of elevation and stream width were used to assess how elevation and stream width influenced the occurrence of individual species and to indicate which species had large and small ranges of distribution. Twenty-four species were common at elevations below 1,550 m and 31 species occurred in streams less than 20 m wide. The six exotic species had the potential to overlap all of the native species with regard to both elevation and stream width. In general, species that were collected over a wide range of elevations were also collected over a wide range of stream widths. Red shiner ( Cyprinella lutrensis ) and river carpsucker ( Carpiodes carpio ) occurred over the smallest elevation ranges (< 250 m), whereas longnose sucker ( Catostomus catostomus ) was sampled over the greatest elevation ranges (> 2,500 m). Longnose sucker and white sucker ( Catostomus commersoni ) occurred over the greatest ranges in stream widths (> 90 m), and brook stickleback ( Culaea inconstans ), black bullhead ( Ameiurus melas ), and quillback ( Carpiodes cyprinus ) were found over the lowest ranges in stream widths (< 12 m). The distributions of native and exotic species in streams that transition from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains were largely explained by elevation and stream width.

Wyoming↗
USGS2004

Characteristics of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and shadow bass (Ambloplites ariommus) populations in an Ozark stream before and after rainbow trout introduction

We evaluated characteristics of smallmouth bass ( Micropterus dolomieu ) and shadow bass ( Ambloplites ariommus ) populations in a small, northeastern Oklahoma Ozark stream from February 2000 to March 2003 to evaluate potential effects of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) introduction on these species. We experimentally stocked rainbow trout into the stream from November 2000 to March 2001 and November 2001 to March 2002. Mark-recapture and telemetry data showed patterns of limited movement among pool habitats by both bass species, and presence of rainbow trout in Brush Creek did not appear to influence movement patterns. We documented recruitment by smallmouth and shadow bass during our study, indicating that rainbow trout introduction did not inhibit spawning. Mean relative weight (Wr) of smallmouth bass ranged from 77 - 80, and we did not detect differences in relative weight among pre-stocking, the first year of stocking, and the second year of stocking. It appears that important population characteristics of these two species in our study stream were not negatively impacted by rainbow trout introduction.

Oklahoma↗
USGS2004

Factors affecting swimming performance of fasted rainbow trout with implications of exhaustive exercise on overwinter mortality

We evaluated the effects of body size, water temperature, and sustained swimming activity on swimming performance and the effects of exhaustive exercise on mortality of fasted juvenile rainbow trout. Fasting caused swimming performance to decline more rapidly for small fish than large fish, and warmer water temperatures and sustained swimming activity further decreased swimming performance. Exhaustive exercise increased mortality among fasted fish. Our observations suggest that juvenile rainbow trout with little or no food intake during winter can swim for long periods of time with little effect on mortality, but swimming to exhaustion can enhance mortality, especially among the smallest juveniles.

Journal of Freshwater Ecology↗
USGS2004

Drought responses of freshwater mussels (Unionidae) in coastal plain tributaries of the Flint River basin, Georgia

During extreme drought conditions, mussel survival and habitat conditions were monitored weekly at nine locations representing a gradient in stream size in the lower Flint River basin, Georgia, USA. Cumulative unionid mortality ranged from 13 to 93% among sites, and was associated with low flow velocity (below 0.01 m/s) and dissolved oxygen concentrations below 5 mg/L. Species assemblages demonstrated differential mortality under declining dissolved oxygen conditions. Riffle and medium-large stream mussel assemblages had greater mortality than generalist assemblages under reduced dissoloved oxygen (DO < 5 mg/L). Mussel community composition at medium-sized sites shifted toward greater dominance of generalist species and lower proportions of riffle and medium-large stream species. At other sites, community structure changed little, likely due to the dominance of drought-resilient species in small streams and less detrimental changes in stream habitat conditions in large streams. Low flow conditions and severe drought adversely affected mussel distributions and assemblages, particularly in high diversity, medium-sized streams.

Georgia↗
USGS2004

Age and growth of flathead catfish, Pylodictus olivaris rafinesque, in the Altamaha River system, Georgia

Flathead catfish were introduced to the Altamaha River system, Georgia in the 1970's. We determined the length-weight relationship, Von Bertalanffy growth parameters, and back calculated lengths by examining the sagittal otoliths of 331 individuals captured from this population. We found that there were no sex related differences in length weight relationship or Von Bertalanffy growth parameters. Flathead catfish in the Altamaha River system grow at about the same rate as individuals in other introduced populations.

Georgia↗