Publication details
Size-ralated habitat use by bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus) in a regulated lowland river
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2002 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Ecology of Freshwater Fish |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Ecology |
| Keywords | microhabitat analysis; habitat shift; young-of-the-year fish; regulated river; juvenile fish; Outlying Mean Index |
| Description | Habitat use by four size-classes of bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus) in a regulated lowland river was studied at two spatial scales. Mesohabitat scale was represented by the bank type (boulder, beach and steep eroded bank). Microhabitat associations with substrate types, vegetation, woody debris and position in the stream were examined at each mesohabitat scale. Three size cohorts of young-of- the (0+) year fish and a group of adult bitterling were detected. Univariate (X2-tests) and multivariate (Outlying Mean Index analysis) methods was applied to determine size-related habitat associations. All the size-classes of bitterling avoided the steep eroded bank and most 0+ bitterling were distributed along the boulder bank. The smallest fish had the most pronounced habitat requirements and occurred mostly in the depositional areas, whereas the larger 0+ fish occurred in deeper water. The size-related change in the habitat use coincided with a change in diet and morphological state. |