Interannual variability in the abundance and composition of spring larval fish assemblages in the Strait of Georgia (British Columbia,Canada) from 2007 to 2010

Spring larval fish assemblages in the Strait of Georgia (British Columbia, Canada) were characterized for the first time based on three spatially extensive field surveys in late‐April of 2007, 2009 and 2010, a period which spanned both warm and cold environmental conditions. The abundance, diversity and community structure of the assemblages were examined to investigate interannual variability, and responses to environmental fluctuations. A total of 49 taxa from 23 families were identified. The dominant taxa were Clupea pallasi, Gadus chalcogrammus, Merluccius productus, Leuroglossus schmidti, Lyopsetta exilis and Sebastes spp. Total larval abundance was much lower in 2009 (c. 32 per 1000 m³) than in 2007 and 2010 (c. 200 per 1000 m³). However, the mean size of individuals from several species was largest in 2009. Assemblage structure varied dramatically; from dominance by M. productus in 2007, to dominance by C. pallasi and G. chalcogrammus in 2009, followed by a shift to dominance by benthic species including Sebastes spp. and several flatfishes in 2010. Variability in assemblage structure among the three study years was primarily related to water temperature, whereas within‐year patterns were more closely associated with salinity and chlorophyll, both of which were affected by estuarine circulation. This study provides baseline information about the status of the larval fish community in the Strait of Georgia in recent years, and offers a better understanding of their short‐term dynamics and response to environmental fluctuations.     

Spatial distribution pattern and physical – biological interactions in the larval notothenioid fish assemblages from the Bransfield Strait and adjacent waters

The Bransfield Strait and adjacent waters represent one of the most important areas of larval retention off the Antarctic Peninsula. The species composition of larval fish assemblages has been described in detail in previous surveys carried out in the area, but the role of environmental parameters influencing the spatial distribution of early life stages was poorly known. By applying generalized additive models and multivariate analyses, we evaluated the role of environmental variables in shaping the small‐scale distribution of larval fish and investigated the spatial structure of the larval assemblage. It consisted of a few dominant notothenioid species, such as Champsocephalus gunnari, Lepidonotothen squamifrons, Lepidonotothen larseni, Pleuragramma antarctica and Trematomus scotti, and several other rarely caught species. Sea water temperature, salinity and sampling depth were the most important factors determining the spatial distribution of fish with different relative contributions, together explaining more than 80% of total deviance observed. Species richness was mostly affected by salinity, probably due to the narrow range of salinity preference by the species. Cluster analysis of abundance and presence data identified six and five distinct groups, respectively, each of them with substantial contributions of single or rarely two species. Differences in reproductive strategies of adult populations and spatial distribution of early life stages driven by different larval behaviour in response to environmental factors contribute to maintaining a well‐structured larval fish assemblage, ensuring spatial and food niche partitioning.     

Relationships between fish assemblages and habitat characteristics in Iowa’s non‐wadeable rivers

Abstract Non‐wadeable river systems are some of the most diverse aquatic ecosystems, but little work has been conducted to quantify the relationships between fish assemblages and habitat characteristics in them. In 2007 and 2008, 21 reaches were sampled on 16 non‐wadeable rivers across Iowa, USA. Fish were sampled in each reach with three different gears, and habitat characteristics (channel morphology, current velocity, instream cover) were measured using standard procedures. Fish assemblages were structured based on drainage basin and reaches and could be categorised as belonging to one of three groups. Reaches in the Missouri River basin group were narrow and had a high proportion of fine substrate. Reaches in the Mississippi River A group were also narrow but had a high proportion of large rocky substrate. Reaches in the Mississippi River B group tended to be wider, deeper and have higher proportions of fine substrate than the other groups. Fish assemblages were closely related to habitat characteristics and reflected differences among the three groups. Results of this study suggest that stream geomorphology may have a substantial influence on fish assemblage structure in large rivers.     

High temporal species turnover enhances the complexity of fish assemblages in Amazonian Terra firme streams

Abstract –  The objective of this study was to quantify fish species diversity in Terra firme streams of the Río Amazonas drainage. Fish diversity was quantified as the number of species collected or species richness in two sites of Yahuarcaca stream, a typical, first order tributary of the central Río Amazonas near Leticia (Colombia). The extremely high species richness recorded, 131 and 133 for the two study sites for a total of 171 species, was primarily due to species of low abundance (rare species) mostly with adults <5 cm in total length. The nonasymptotic tendencies of accumulated species richness over time for the 1999 samples at the two study sites and for the combined samples of 1999, 2001 and 2005 at site 2 suggested that the real number of fish species may be still greater. These findings emphasise the importance of long-term sampling designs to quantify species richness in these systems. Terra firme streams actually sustain greater fish richness than previously reported for similar sized streams that in turn, represent a substantial per cent of the total species richness reported for vast areas of the main stem of Río Amazonas including tributaries and lakes. Terra firme streams should be considered critical hotspots for conservation and management efforts which are urgently needed given the rapid development of ornamental fisheries on small streams throughout Río Amazonas drainage.     

Factors affecting fish assemblage structure during seasonal stream drying

Abstract –  We evaluated fish assemblage structure during stream drying in north west Arkansas in 2002 and 2003. We sampled fish with a seine and backpack electrofisher and measured habitat variables along transects. Linear regression models were selected a priori and ranked according to Akaike's Information Criterion. In 2002, total fish density was negatively related to pool area and maximum depth, and positively related to canopy openness and substrate diversity. Similarly, central stoneroller ( Campostoma anomalum , Rafinesque) and creek chub ( Semotilus atromaculatus , Mitchill) densities were negatively related to maximum pool depth. In 2003, fish species richness was positively related to pool area whereas total fish, central stoneroller, and creek chub densities were negatively related to maximum pool depth. In addition, total fish density was negatively related to substrate diversity. Results indicated that physical factors are important predictors of fish assemblage structure during stream drying. However, differences among response variables between years indicated that the magnitude of stream drying might be critical in intermittent streams.     

Seasonal and spatial variation in a prairie stream-fish assemblage

Abstract – Stream-fish assemblage and environmental data for 13 sites in the upper Brazos River, Texas, USA during 1997 and 1998 were used to assess the relationship between environmental conditions, and seasonal and spatial variation in fish species abundance and distribution patterns. There was considerable spatial variation in environmental conditions among sites. Spatial variation in species diversity and species composition was related to variation in conductance (salinity), depth and current velocity among sites and streams. Species diversity increased downstream and species composition shifted from primarily cyprinodontids upstream to cyprinids downstream. Among all dominant species, spatial components of variation in fish abundance were greater than seasonal components, suggesting that assemblage structure is determined more by average or persistent differences in environmental conditions among sites than by seasonal variation in environmental conditions.     

Multiple watershed alterations influence fish community structure in Great Plains prairie streams

Stream fish distributions are commonly linked to environmental disturbances affecting terrestrial landscapes. In Great Plains prairie streams, the independent and interactive effects of watershed impoundments and land cover changes remain poorly understood despite their prevalence and assumed contribution to declining stream fish diversity. We used structural equation models and fish community samples from third‐order streams in the Kansas River and Arkansas River basins of Kansas, USA to test the simultaneous effects of geographic location, terrestrial landscape alteration, watershed impoundments and local habitat on species richness for stream‐associated and impoundment‐associated habitat guilds. Watershed impoundment density increased from west to east in both basins, while per cent altered terrestrial landscape (urbanisation + row‐crop agriculture) averaged ~50% in the west, declined throughout the Flint Hills ecoregion and increased (Kansas River basin ~80%) or decreased (Arkansas River basin ~30%) to the east. Geographic location had the strongest effect on richness for both guilds across basins, supporting known zoogeography patterns. In addition to location, impoundment species richness was positively correlated with local habitat in both basins; whereas stream‐species richness was negatively correlated with landscape alterations (Kansas River basin) or landscape alterations and watershed impoundments (Arkansas River basin). These findings suggest that convergences in the relative proportions of impoundment and stream species (i.e., community structure) in the eastern extent of both basins are related to positive effects of increased habitat opportunities for impoundment species and negative effects caused by landscape alterations (Kansas River basin) or landscape alterations plus watershed impoundments (Arkansas River basin) for stream species.     

Population ecology and prey consumption by fathead minnows in prairie wetlands: importance of detritus and larval fish

Abstract –  The fathead minnow Pimephales promelas occurs in high densities in wetlands of the prairie pothole region (PPR) of North America, but food resources sustaining these populations are poorly known. We assessed population dynamics and prey consumption of fathead minnow populations in three PPR wetlands for 2 years. Fish density peaked at 107 fish per m² for all age classes combined. Larval and juvenile fish dominated these populations in terms of abundance and accounted for 83% of total prey consumption. Detritus dominated fish diets, representing 53%, 40% and 79% of diet mass for larval, juvenile and adult fish respectively. Detritus consumption was positively related to minnow density and negatively related to invertebrate abundance, but only for adult fish. Seasonal production:biomass ratios were unrelated to proportions of detritus in the diet for all ages of fish, indicating that detritus is an important food resource capable of meeting metabolic demands and sustaining fish growth in high-density populations. Detritus consumption may also weaken links between abundance of invertebrate prey and minnows, promoting dense fish populations with strong, consistent influences on wetland ecosystems.     

Late winter larval mesopelagic fish assemblage in the Kuroshio waters of the western North Pacific

The larval mesopelagic fish assemblage and its distribution patterns were investigated in the Kuroshio region off southern Japan in late winter. A total of 8690 fish larvae was collected, 85.8% of which were mesopelagic fish larvae. Mesopelagic fish larvae were significantly more abundant in the area east of the Kuroshio axis than west of the Kuroshio axis (660.6 versus 194.5 ind 10 m^?2). Sigmops gracile, Bathylagus ochotensis, Notoscopelus japonicus, Diaphus slender type and Myctophum asperum were the five most abundant larvae and accounted for 16.9, 16.4, 15.2, 13.9 and 9.3% of the total catch in numbers, respectively. We conclude that these larvae were transported by the Kuroshio Current to the more productive transition waters, where they spend their juvenile stage from spring to early summer. The possibility of expatriation and southward long‐distance spawning migrations of N. japonicus and B. ochotensis are discussed, based on the geographic distribution patterns of their larvae, juveniles and adults.     

长江口和杭州湾碎波带仔稚鱼群聚时空分布特征及相关环境因子分析

2009年8月至2010年8月每月大潮前后在长江口和杭州湾碎波带的12个站点采集仔稚鱼,共采集到仔稚鱼14 907尾,隶属24科74种,主要优势种有刀鲚(Coilia nasus,47.84%)、普氏缰虾虎鱼(Amoya pflaumii,11.58%)、属(Hemiculter spp.,9.12%)、飘鱼属(Pseudolaubuca spp.,6.29%)、多鳞四指马鲅(Eleutheronema rhadinum,5.62%)。分析了碎波带仔稚鱼群聚的时空分布特征与水温、盐度、底质、地形等环境因子的关系。聚类和排序的结果显示,全年仔稚鱼群聚在时间序列上可分为4组,各组间存在明显的种类更替,出现的主要优势种分别是12月–翌年4月的乔氏新银鱼(Neosalanx jordani),5月的中国大银鱼(Protosalanx chinensis)、中国花鲈(Lateolabrax maculatus),6月–9月的刀鲚、普氏缰虾虎鱼、属、飘鱼属、多鳞四指马鲅,以及10月、11月的有明银鱼(Salanx ariakensis)。在空间梯度上可分为长江口碎波带站点和杭州湾碎波带站点两组,两组间相异性贡献度最高的种类是刀鲚和普氏缰虾虎鱼(10%),多个组内的独有种类显示出不同生态类型鱼类仔稚鱼对碎波带栖息地的生境选择分化。CCA结果显示,所选的5个环境因子中只有水温和盐度对仔稚鱼群聚整体的时空分布有显著影响,但是对整个时空分布特征的解释度并不算高,意味着还存在其他重要的影响因素,可能包括饵料生物、径流等。对主要种类在单种的尺度上进行了丰度时空分布与环境因子的GAM曲线拟合,发现底质和地形对特定种类的仔稚鱼的分布有显著影响。地形开阔平坦、底质为沙质的站点仔稚鱼种类和丰度都相对较多,如优势种中的飘鱼属种类、多鳞四指马鲅、日本须鳎(Paraplagusia japonica)等都倾向选择栖息在开阔平坦的沙质底站点。     

Effects of within-patch habitat structure and variation on fish assemblage characteristics in the Bernecei stream, Hungary

Abstract –  Over a 3-year period we examined variability in physical habitat structure and species richness, abundance and assemblage composition of fishes in 13 habitat patches in the Bernecei stream, Hungary. Principal component analysis of habitat structure data from patches elucidated a riffle-run-pool habitat gradient across patches. Temporal habitat variability increased significantly from riffle to pool patches. Fish assemblage characteristics displayed relatively continuous change over the habitat gradient and were relatively stable within patches. Assemblage structure properties (e.g., species richness) displayed different responses to the habitat gradient and to within-patch habitat variability. In general, pool patches had more diverse assemblages and greater within-patch assemblage variability than riffle patches. However, within-patch dynamics were largely determined by the population dynamics of a habitat generalist (i.e., minnow). Broad scale environmental variability (i.e., a catastrophic 100-year flood) also appeared to affect within-patch fish assemblage characteristics. Our results demonstrate that fish assemblage structure is influenced by physical variability (i.e., both floods and spatio-temporal habitat variability) within the Bernecei stream.     

The role of oceanographic conditions and plankton availability in larval fish assemblages off the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean)

In the northwestern Mediterranean, most fish species reproduce in early summer and fewer in the autumn mixing period. This study analyses and compares larval fish assemblages (LFA) in both seasons, and is the first attempt to characterize LFA structure for the autumn period. We analyze horizontal and vertical distribution of fish larvae and the micro- and mesozooplankton biomass and abundance of the main zooplankton groups. The oceanographic situation was analyzed through the study of data from CTD, Nν-Shuttle and ADCP surveys. LFA were determined by ordination analyses based on larval abundance, and the relationships between larval assemblages and environmental variables were investigated through canonical correspondence analysis. The importance of some hydrographic variables (temperature, salinity and stability of the water column), current fields (along-shelf and across-shelf transport) and the abundance of zooplankton are discussed as important factors shaping the structure of larval assemblages. In early summer, LFA were mainly structured by a combination of bathymetry and trophic components, although sea surface temperature also played a role in shaping the horizontal larval distributions. In autumn, trophic variables were the main factors influencing the shelf-dwelling species assemblage. Larvae of oceanic species, on the other hand, were not related to trophic variables but were more affected by current fields.     

Fish assemblages structure and function along environmental gradients in rivers of Gabon (Africa)

Abstract –  We examined patterns in fish species assemblages structure and function along environmental gradients in rivers of Gabon. Species presence–absence data from 52 sites were first analysed by canonical correspondence analysis. Results showed that the position of sites along the upstream–downstream gradient, together with elevation and water conductance were the most important predictors of local fish assemblage composition. Assemblage richness and trophic structure were further investigated using regression tree analysis. Results revealed a general increase in species richness from upstream to downstream areas and a transition from insectivorous to omnivorous, herbivorous and piscivorous species along this longitudinal gradient. There were several similarities between these previous patterns and those observed in other temperate streams suggesting a potential convergence in fish assemblage along environmental gradients in tropical and temperate riverine systems. From a conservation standpoint, these results highlight the need to evaluate all habitat types along rivers longitudinal gradient to integrate the full spectrum of species assemblages within conservation plans.     

Changes in distance decay relationships after river regulation: similarity among fish assemblages in a large Amazonian river

The construction of large dams has changed natural hydrology of many rivers in South America. Considering that little is known about the reorganisation of nonmigratory fish assemblages following an impoundment, we investigated changes caused by the construction of Lajeado Dam on the spatial distribution of nonmigratory fish along the Tocantins River, a large Amazonian river. In particular, we investigated changes in distance decay of community similarity (initial similarity and halving distance) in periods that preceded and followed the construction of the dam. For this study, we analysed data collected over a four‐year period, including seven sites distributed along the Tocantins River (~270 km). Initial similarity showed high values and little variation over the years. Halving distance, on the other hand, changed considerably after impoundment, showing progressive smaller values. In the first 2 years after impoundment, halving distance decreased by more than half of the initial value, indicating changes in distance decay relationships. An ordination analysis nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) indicated substantial changes in assemblage structure between pre‐ and postimpoundment periods, especially in sites close to the dam. In addition, after river regulation, we recorded shifts in species abundance across sites, while numerical dominance increased and local richness decreased in sites near the dam. Our results indicate that the dam changed diversity gradients along the river corridor, increasing the distance decay of assemblage similarity. All these findings evidence that nonmigratory fish assemblages are particularly vulnerable to river regulation.     

Distribution patterns of larval myctophid fish assemblages in the subtropical–tropical waters of the western North Pacific

We examined larval myctophid fish assemblages and their distribution patterns, based on discrete depth sampling. Samples were collected at 19 stations along a transect that crossed the subtropical–tropical waters of the western North Pacific. In total, we collected 27 189 larvae of 40 myctophid species or types, belonging to 15 genera. Three assemblages were recognized, based on their species composition: Kuroshio Axis (KuA), Kuroshio Countercurrent (KCC), and Subtropical Countercurrent–North Equatorial Current (SCC–NEC) assemblages. The distributions of these assemblages were well defined by the positions of the KuA and the Subtropical Convergence. Each species had a specific distribution depth, and none showed diel vertical migration. Larvae of the subfamily Lampanyctinae were distributed in shallower waters (0–50 m) than larvae of the subfamily Myctophinae (50–150 m). Larvae of the same species were distributed at lower depths in the SCC–NEC area than in the KCC area. This corresponded to the abundance of chlorophyll a, which would reflect abundance of prey organisms such as copepod nauplii and copepodites.     

The effects of wood on stream habitat and native fish assemblages in New Zealand

Historic deforestation has deprived many river systems of their natural wood loadings. To study the effects of the loss of wood from waterways, a field trial was conducted in three small forested streams in New Zealand. The objectives were to (i) examine differences in fish assemblages among wooded pools (where wood provided cover), open pools and riffles and (ii) measure the effects of wood removal on channel morphology and fish assemblages. In the first part of the study, no significant differences were found in total fish density among the three habitats. However, total fish biomass was significantly higher in wooded pools (64% of total fish biomass) compared with open pools and riffles. Mean density and biomass of banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) and mean biomass of longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii) were highest in wooded pools, whereas the density and biomass of bluegill bully (Gobiomorphus hubbsi) and torrentfish (Cheimarrichthys fosteri) were highest in riffles. In the second part of the study, wood was removed from a 200‐m section (treatment) in each stream, significantly reducing pool area and increasing the proportion of channel area and length in riffles. At the habitat scale, banded kokopu and large longfin eel were the two species mostly affected by wood removal. At the reach scale, banded kokopu biomass was significantly lower in the treatment sections. Although wooded pools were a small portion of total habitat, they provided important habitat for two of New Zealand's larger native fish taxa.     

Long‐term stability of eelgrass fish assemblages in two highly developed coastal estuaries

Changes in fish assemblages were tracked in representative eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) beds within two estuaries on the urbanised coast of southern California, USA, San Diego Bay and Mission Bay, from 1987 to 2010. Assemblages were sampled twice yearly (spring and summer) at day and night using beach seines. Assemblage stability was examined over time along with changes in assemblage structure across time of day and season, including the influence of temporally variable abiotic variables. Only the occasionally occurring fish, those present in <70% of samples, in Mission Bay appeared to be shifting to a new assemblage. Although season and sampling time significantly affected assemblages, correlations with abiotic factors were low. Given the long history of urban development of these estuaries, community shifts may have occurred prior to the onset of sampling, giving the appearance of stability. Alternatively, eelgrass habitat may be providing a refuge from long‐term disturbances.     

Ecological traits of fish assemblages from Mediterranean Europe and their responses to human disturbance

Abstract  Mediterranean river systems are characterised by more diverse fish assemblages and regional ecological processes compared with the rest of Europe. A data set from Mediterranean France, Iberia and Greece (∼2000 sites) was used to describe the characteristics of fish assemblages, explore their responses to anthropogenic disturbance and analyse the implications for river quality assessment. There was a southwards decline in species richness per site, but endemicity and proportion of alien species increased. Sites in the eastern Mediterranean had higher endemicity, lower site richness and lower number of alien species than sites in western Mediterranean Europe. Assemblage composition differed between Mediterranean sub-regions, but was dominated by three major fish types: a salmonid fish type common throughout the study area and two cyprinid-dominated fish types (in some sub-regions, Salmo trutta L. is present but not numerically dominant), corresponding to a gradient in hydrological and temperature regimes. Metric responses to perturbation were compared with those found at the European (larger scale) and basin (smaller scale) levels. Overall metric response was weaker in this Mediterranean application. The best responses to human pressure were usually obtained with abundance-based metrics and included the contribution of naturalised alien species. Some widespread alien species contributed to the response to anthropogenic alteration (notably Cyprinus carpio L. and Lepomis gibbosus (L.)).     

海湾鱼类群落物种共存机制——以湄洲湾为例

海湾鱼类群落共存机制仍不明确,分析群落物种生态隔离及生境过滤的相对重要性是探讨物种共存模式的重要途径。以湄洲湾鱼类群落为例,根据2012年9月及2013年4月单拖网调查数据,运用零模型对其鱼类共存机制展开研究。结果表明,基于物种出现/不出现的C-score、成对物种棋盘格数目、SES指数的实测值与预测值差异均不显著(P0.05),基于丰度数据的Pianka及Czechanowski生态重叠指数的实测值与预测值之间差异也不显著(P0.05),说明无论是物种还是个体之间均呈随机分布格局,显示湄洲湾鱼类群落是一种受竞争排斥与生境过滤双重影响的群落。研究结果对湄洲湾生态系统生物多样性保护具有重要意义。     

Amazon River water in the northeastern Caribbean Sea and its effect on larval reef fish assemblages during April 2009

During April to June 2009, a large bolus of Amazon River water impacted the northeastern Caribbean Sea. Shipboard observations collected near Saba Bank, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and the Anegada Passage showed low surface salinity (35.76 ± 0.05 Practical Salinity Unit (PSU)), elevated surface temperature (26.77 ± 0.14°C), high chlorophyll‐a (1.26 ± 0.21 mg m^?3) and high dissolved oxygen (4.90 ± 0.06 mL L^?1) in a 20‐ to 30‐m thick surface layer in the riverine plume. The water was ~1°C warmer, 1 PSU fresher, 0.3 mL L^?1 higher in oxygen and 1.2 mg m^?3 higher in chlorophyll‐a than Atlantic Ocean waters to the north, with Caribbean surface waters showing intermediate values. Plankton net tows obtained in the upper 100 m of the water column revealed larval fish assemblages within the plume that were significantly different from those of the surrounding waters and from those encountered in the area in previous years. The plume waters contained higher concentrations of mesopelagic fish larvae from the families Myctophidae and Nomeidae, which as adults typically inhabit offshore, deep water habitats. Concentrations of larvae from inshore and reef‐associated families such as Scaridae, Serranidae, Labridae and Clupeidae were lower than those found outside the plume in similar shallow areas, particularly in near‐surface waters. An event like the one observed in 2009 had not been documented in at least the past 30 yr, and yet it was followed by another similarly extreme event in 2010. The ecological implications, including any long‐term consequences of such recent extreme events, are important and merit further study.