Riverine fish populations depend on habitats supporting their resource and life history needs. Dynamic streamflow caused by river regulation or natural events influences the distribution of downstream habitat characteristics. Through studying habitat selection, we can identify the most utilized and valuable habitats for the success of native fishes. We determined seasonal habitat selection of two common, native fish species on the Osage River downstream of Bagnell Dam, a hydroelectric dam in central Missouri, from April 2016 to June 2017 using radio telemetry. Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) are nest‐guarders, sight feeders, and habitat generalists, whereas Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum) are fluvial dependent, migratory, and benthic feeders. Bayesian discrete choice analyses determined that both species selected particular water depth, velocity, and presence of submerged cover in some or all seasons, even as available habitat changed. Spotted Bass selected water depths <4.0 m near submerged cover during all seasons, low velocity during spring and summer, and near‐bank habitat in all seasons except spring. Shorthead Redhorse used fast flowing habitat during spring, 0.4–1.1 m/s velocity during summer, and low velocity in fall and winter (0.1–0.5 m/s). Shorthead Redhorse used submerged cover in all seasons except summer and selected specific ranges of depth within spring (2.4–4.4 m), summer (3.3–6.7 m), and winter (1.1–2.3 m). Our findings suggest that maintaining habitats with cover and diverse water depths and velocities, particularly both low and high velocity habitats during spring, may promote resilience by providing beneficial habitats for native fishes.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.