Brown trout redd superimposition in relation to spawning habitat availability

Abstract – The relationship between redd superimposition and spawning habitat availability was investigated in the brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) population inhabiting the river Castril (Granada, Spain). Redd surveys were conducted in 24 river sections to estimate the rate of redd superimposition. Used and available microhabitat was evaluated to compute the suitable spawning habitat (SSH) for brown trout. After analysing the microhabitat characteristics positively selected by females, SSH was defined as an area that met all the following five requirements: water depth between 10 and 50 cm, mean water velocity between 30 and 60 cm s^?1, bottom water velocity between 15 and 60 cm s^?1, substrate size between 4 and 30 mm and no embeddedness. Simple regression analyses showed that redd superimposition was not correlated with redd numbers, SSH or redd density. A simulation‐based analysis was performed to estimate the superimposition rate if redds were randomly placed inside the SSH. This analysis revealed that the observed superimposition rate was higher than expected in 23 of 24 instances, this difference being significant (P < 0.05) in eight instances and right at the limit of statistical significance (P = 0.05) in another eight instances. Redd superimposition was high in sections with high redd density. High superimposition however was not exclusive to sections with high redd density and was found in moderate‐ and low‐redd‐density sections. This suggests that factors other than habitat availability are also responsible for redd superimposition. We argue that female preference for spawning over previously excavated redds may be the most likely explanation for high superimposition at lower densities.     

Spawning period of a southern brown trout population in a highly unpredictable stream

Abstract –  The spawning period of brown trout ( Salmo trutta L.) was studied in the river Castril, southern Spain, by means of redd counts. This mountain stream is located near to the southern limit of the species' natural distribution range and it shows a highly unpredictable flow regime. The spawning period extended from December to mid-April and the maximum reproductive activity was in February. These results represent the latest reproduction date and the longest spawning period reported in the literature along the natural distribution range of the species. However, belated spawning in the Castril is congruent with the known latitudinal cline: the lower the latitude, the later the spawning period. Our results, along with a review of the literature on natural populations, also showed that the duration of reproduction is the longer, the lower the latitude. Spawning lasted twice as long in the main stem of the river, which is connected with a reservoir, than in the isolated reaches. These differences may be linked to the influence of the reservoir and to habitat fragmentation. We discuss and support the hypothesis that a long spawning period is an advantage for survival in unpredictable habitats. The belated and protracted spawning period found in river Castril has important implications in fisheries management. A strong research effort is needed in order to fill the critical lack of data on southern brown trout populations.     

促黄体素释放激素类似物和地欧酮诱导鲇排卵和产卵

以珠江和辽河流域的鲇（Silurus asotus)为研究对象,在室内进行了不同组合的激素和药物注射实验,结果表明,注射促黄体素释放激素类似物（LHRH－A）和多巴胺拮抗物地欧酮（DOM）药物组合（LHRH－A＋DOM）,剂量为（10ug 5mg)/kg鱼体重,能快速而大量诱导鲇血清促性腺激素（GtH)水平的升高,进而诱导产卵,产卵率为90％,显著高于其他实验组,采用LHRH－A＋DOM药物组合对2926组鲇进行了人工催产,注射剂量为（7ug 5mg)/kg,鱼体重,平均催产率为70％,最高80％,获得鱼苗207万尾。     

Reproduction biology of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca (L.)) – a review

Abstract –  The present review focuses on the reproduction biology of pikeperch ( Sander lucioperca (L.)). Aspects like maturity, fecundity, spawning migrations, spawning habitats, onset of spawning, and development time of eggs were reviewed. The onset of maturity is reached at younger age in southern than northern populations due to higher growth rate in the south. Males mature at smaller size and are on average younger than females. Absolute fecundity is closely related to the length and weight, but no clear relationship could be found between relative fecundity and length. Statistically significant relationships were found between the onset of spawning and latitude, and between the duration of the development time of eggs and stable water temperature. Near the southern limits of distribution, the onset of spawning is in February while near the northern limits it is in June. The interannual variability in fecundity and in the onset of maturity and further the factors affecting them have not been studied much. Furthermore, it is not known whether these variations could affect the population dynamics of pikeperch. Little is also known about the actual spawning behaviour of pikeperch in natural habitats. This is probably due to the typical spawning habitats located at 1–3 m depth in waters with high turbidity and low visibility. Even though the homing behaviour to the same spawning areas is well developed in adults, it is not known whether the adults were actually born in the same area.     

Spawning behaviour of amemasu charr,Salvelinus leucomaenis leucomaenis,with a discussion of the macroevolutionary patterns of postspawning behaviour in the Salmoninae

Abstract – Video cameras inside underwater housings were used to record the spawning behaviour of a subspecies of the white‐spotted charr, the amemasu charr (Salvelinus leucomaenis leucomaenis) in the Tokimae and Onbetsu Rivers, Hokkaido, Japan. Unlike other Salvelinus species, in which females use lateral swings of their bodies to ventilate and distribute eggs over gravel crevices (undulating) immediately after spawning, female amemasu charr covered their eggs with beats of their tails (cover digging). Cover digging right after spawning has previously been documented in Salmo, Oncorhynchus and Parahucho. Phylogenetic analysis of postspawning behaviours in the Salmoninae indicated that (i) resting then covering the eggs is plesiomorphic for the group, (ii) undulating replaced resting in the ancestor of Salvelinus, (iii) cover digging was advanced in the behavioural sequence to occur immediately after egg deposition in the ancestor of Parahucho + Salmo + Oncorhynchus and in the amemasu.     

Movement patterns of armado, Pterodoras granulosus, in the Paraná River Basin

Abstract –  We studied the migratory behaviour of armado, Pterodoras granulosus , in the Paraná River Basin of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, during 1997–2005. This species invaded the Upper Paraná River after upstream dispersal was facilitated when Itaipu Reservoir inundated a natural barrier. Fish were tagged ( N  = 8051) in the mainstems of the Yacyreta and Itaipu reservoirs, bays of major tributaries, the Paraná River floodplain above Itaipu Reservoir, and below dams. In all, 420 fish were recaptured of which 61% moved away from the release area. Fish moved a maximum of 215 km (mean 42), and at a maximum rate of 9.4 km·day⁻¹ (mean 0.6). Of the 256 armados that moved away from the release site, 145 moved upstream towards unimpounded stretches of the Paraná River and 111 moved downstream into the reservoir and bays of its tributaries (maximum 150 km). Based on the observed migratory movements, we suspect that most of the reproductive output originates in tributaries to the reservoirs. The ability of this species to expand its range presents a conundrum by pitting fishery management interests against conservation needs. Maintenance of the important armado fisheries depends on the ability of the species to migrate freely to use spawning and nursery areas in reservoir tributaries and floodplains. However, its ability to migrate long distances can allow this non-native species the opportunity to invade most of the Upper Paraná River.     

Using motion-sensitive radio tags to record the activity and behavioural patterns of spawning Atlantic salmon

Abstract –  In this paper, we describe a method employing motion-sensing radio transmitters for recording and identifying behavioural patterns and activity of Atlantic salmon spawning under natural conditions. Simultaneous video monitoring verified recorded activity patterns originating from behaviours such as fighting, nest digging and quivering. The method described here enables more accurate determination of the timing and location of spawning compared to conventional location tracking. Motion-sensing transmitters can also be applied to monitor other species and types of behaviour, and therefore the use and development of such methods deserves further attention in behavioural studies.     

Prespawning migratory behaviour and spawning success of sea-ranched Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in the River Gudenaa, Denmark

The migratory behaviour of sea-ranched Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., was analysed by radio-telemetry in the River Gudenaa, Denmark. The main objectives were to: (1) estimate mortality of returning adults through the fjord; (2) observe rate of progression and migratory pattern in the fjord and river; and (3) record whether spawning occurs in the river. Forty-two returning salmon (19 males and 23 females of total body length from 60–97 cm) reared and released as smolts, were caught and equipped with external radio transmitters in the outer estuary of the River Gudenaa in 1994 and 1995. Of the tagged salmon, 18 (43%) were caught in the estuary, four (10%) were not recorded after release and 20 (47%) entered the river. The mean rate of progression through the fjord was 7.6 km d−1 (range 1.4–18.2) in 1994 and 5.4 km  d−1 (range 1.6–17.1) in 1995. Eleven salmon were alive at the onset of the spawning period. Eight were retrieved dead from the river during or after the spawning period; four with empty gonads assumed to be successful spawners, and four with intact gonads. In 1994, unsuccessful spawners (found dead with intact gonads) entered the river earlier and had a longer total migration distance in the river compared to successful spawners. This suggests that spawning success of sea-ranched salmon is associated with time of river entry and river migration length.     

嘉陵江渠化对主要经济鱼类产卵场的影响

为探究嘉陵江渠化对主要经济鱼类产卵场的影响,2019年3-4月,采用历史资料搜集、访问调查和实地勘察的方法,并结合DNA条形码技术鉴定野外采集的样品。结果显示,原有60个主要经济鱼类产卵场中,41个已经消失,14个存在但已经发生改变,只有5个基本未改变;从产卵场数量、类型和规模来看,均呈减少趋势,仍存在的主要为鲤（Cyprinus carpio）、鲫（Carassius auratus）产卵场。共鉴定鱼卵1 362粒、鱼苗539尾,隶属2目2科12种。鱼卵仅3种,其中,鲤1039粒,占比76.28%;鲫312粒,占比22.91%;红鳍原鲌（Cultrichthys erythropterus）11粒,占比0.81%。鱼苗11种,包括鲤、鲫、马口鱼（Opsariichthys bidens）、麦穗鱼（Pseudorasbora parva）、峨眉鱊（Acheilognathus omeiensis）、大鳍鱊（Acheilognathus macropterus）、兴凯鱊（Acheilognathus chankaensis）、?（Hemiculter leucisculus）、短须颌须鮈（Gnathopogon imberbis）、子陵吻虾虎鱼（Rhinogobius giurinus）、粘皮鲻虾虎鱼（Mugilogobius myxodermus）;其中,兴凯鱊最多,有372尾,占比69.02%;其次为鲫59尾,占比10.95%;鲤57尾,占比10.58%;其他占比仅9.46%。研究表明,产卵场的改变主要集中在水文情势、河床底质和水生植物等方面,梯级水电站开发和采砂作业等导致河道变宽、水位上升、流速降低、卵石漫滩等生境消失、水生植物生物量减少,是原有产卵场消失或改变的主要原因。     

Effects of reproductive timing and hatch date on fathead minnow recruitment

Abstract –  Timing of reproduction can be an important determinant of recruitment success for fish in strongly seasonal environments, both for individuals hatching at different times over extended spawning seasons and for entire cohorts, if the spawning period is accelerated or delayed among years. To examine potential demographic consequences of delayed spawning, we staggered dates that fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas ) were introduced into experimental ponds in Alberta, Canada, by 3 weeks and compared growth and survival of offspring from early- and late-stocked fish. By autumn, size and mass were consistently greater in early-hatched minnows, regardless of cohort density. Size differences between treatments persisted through the second summer, which likely contributed to a higher proportion of early-hatched fish reaching sexual maturity as yearlings compared with late-hatched counterparts. Because late spawning can limit growth and subsequent maturation of progeny, temporal variability in reproductive timing should be considered when assessing recruitment potential of new year-classes.     

Demographics of the spawning aggregations of four catostomid species in the Savannah River, South Carolina and Georgia, USA

Abstract –  Differences in the life history strategies employed by otherwise ecologically similar species of a fish assemblage may be an important factor in the coexistence of these species and is an essential consideration in the conservation and management of these assemblages. We collected scales to determine age and growth of four species of the catostomid assemblage (northern hogsucker Hypentelium nigricans , spotted sucker Minytrema melanops , notchlip redhorse Moxostoma collapsum and robust redhorse Moxostoma robustum ) of the Savannah River, Georgia–South Carolina in spring 2004 and 2005. Robust redhorse was the largest species; reaching sexual maturity at an older age and growing faster as a juvenile than the other species. Spotted sucker did not achieve the same size as robust redhorse, but reached sexual maturity at younger ages. Notchlip redhorse was intermediate between the abovementioned two species in age at maturity and size. Northern hogsucker was the smallest species of the assemblage and reached the sexual maturity at the age of three. Both robust redhorse and spotted sucker were sexually dimorphic in size-at-age. The range of life history strategies employed by Savannah River catostomids encompasses the range of life history strategies exhibited within the family as a whole.     

Movement of fish between a river and its backwater: diel activity and relation to environmental gradients

Abstract –  Movements of fish, in particular roach Rutilus rutilus , perch Perca fluviatilis, rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus, bleak Alburnus alburnus and chub Leuciscus cephalus (age ≥ 1+) in relation to environmental variables were examined between the River Morava, Czech Republic, and a rehabilitated former meander. Data were taken over seven 24-h periods in April–June 1997 using two back-to-back traps. Of 170 fish captured, 70% moved from the backwater to the river. Diel activity differed between sampling dates, but overall bleak, roach and chub moved mainly between dusk and dawn, whereas perch moved throughout most of the day. Rudd showed bi-modal (mid-day, midnight) activity. However, avoidance behaviour could have biased results for species known to be wary of traps. Water level changes, temperature and illumination were among the main environmental factors influencing fish movement, along with spawning migrations relevant for most species. In all specimens, over 65% individuals captured were ready to spawn. Most of them, except for perch, were moving out of the backwater towards the river.