Distribution and Microhabitat Dynamics of the Threatened Bayou Darter, Etheostoma rubrum

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-18-1992

Department

Biological Sciences

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

The bayou darter, Etheostoma rubrum, is endemic to the Bayou Pierre system, southwest Mississippi. In the Bayou Pierre system, E. rubrum occurred in mid-reach, typically third to fourth order, stream sections. Microhabitats of E. rubrum were in swift (x̄ = 79 cm/sec), shallow water, with firm, coarse substrata (x̄ particle size = 16-32 mm). In a laboratory stream, E. rubrum chose a larger substratum (pebbles, 32-64 mm). Etheostoma rubrum were consistent in microhabitat characteristics throughout the year but became increasingly associated with large cover (eg., logs, cobble, and boulders) during the winter. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that under cold-water, higher flow (33.5 cm/sec) conditions, E. rubrum actively used large objects as refugia, even when provided a pebble substratum. Current refugia are probably an important habitat component for winter survival of E. rubrum, especially during periods of high stream flow.

Publication Title

Copeia

Volume

1992

Issue

3

First Page

658

Last Page

671

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