Aquatic Plant Control Research Program. Habitat Value of Aquatic Plants for Fishes
1991
Killgore, K. J. | Hoover, Jan J. | Morgan, Raymond P | II
Prepared in collabration with Maryland Univ., Frostburg.
Show more [+] Less [-]The habitat value of submersed aquatic plants (Myriophyllum spicatum and Hydrilla verticillata) for fishes was determined from field studies conducted at four locations in the United States. Seasonal distribution and relative abundance was evaluated at the Potomac River near Washington, DC, by sampling fish with an electroshocking boat at night in May (plant emergence), August (peak plant biomass), and November (plant senescence). The density of fishes in submersed aquatic plants was measured with popnets at the Potomac River, Lake Seminole, Florida/Georgia, Lake Guntersville, Alabama, and Pend Orielle River, Washington. Feeding habits of fishes were compared between vegetated and nonvegetated areas at Lake Seminole. The seasonal distribution and relative abundance (catch per 5-min shocking) of fishes were estimated in three densities of submersed aquatic plants (no plants, intermediate plant density, high plant density). Hydrilla verticillata was usually the dominant aquatic plant. In May, mean fish abundance was highest in areas of high plant density, whereas in August and November fish abundance was highest in areas of intermediate plant densities. Areas without plants were numerically dominated by filter-feeding fishes including Atlantic menhaden and blueback herring. The fish assemblage in the vegetated sites was comprised mainly of brown bullhead, banded killifish, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. the bay anchovy, white perch, and inland silverside were equitably distributed throughout all three sites during the study.
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