Monday, June 4, 2007 - 2:00 PM
39

Habitat-based production of two crayfish species in an Ozark stream

Shannon K. Brewer1, Charles F. Rabeni1, and Robert J. DiStefano2. (1) Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, (2) Missouri Department of Conservation, Resource Science Center, Columbia, MO 65201

We examined the importance of habitat type in the overall estimate of total stream production for two species of Orconectes crayfish in an Ozark stream.  We used a 1-m2 quadrat sampler and a stratified sampling design to estimate densities of  Orconectes luteus and O. punctimanus in Jacks Fork River, Missouri during summer and fall  over a five-year period.  Sampling was conducted in five habitats: riffles, runs, pools, side channels and emergent vegetation  Justicia americana patches.  Total stream crayfish production was relatively high.   O. luteus was more productive and more of a habitat-production generalist.  The production of O. punctimanus was disproportionately attributed to slower water habitats, particularly relatively uncommon habitats such as vegetation patches and backwaters.  Interspecific and intraspecific differences in secondary production between habitats were largely due to age-class habitat preferences rather than any growth–related differences.  Our study suggests a variety of habitat types within a stream reach is important for maintaining the high annual secondary production of crayfishes in Ozark streams. 

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