Nathan A. Ruhl, Jessica Soski, and Warren, J. S. Currie. Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701
Reservoirs are gradient dominated systems characterized by distinct fluvial (riverine) and lacustrine (lake-like) zones that are buffered by the less distinct transitional zone. The ecological response of organisms to this graded lentic habitat, relative to what might be expected in a natural lake, is not typically addressed in studies. Here we present a study of the littoral fish community within a representative reservoir and relate community composition to spatial variation in physical, chemical, and biological variables. A significant relationship between factors usually associated with fish community composition such as substrate composition, rooted vegetation, and prey availability was not found. However, a significant relationship between community composition and mean depth (along the reservoir continuum), turbidity, and littoral zone-area was observed. The results are discussed in relation to previous studies using different methodologies.
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Reservoirs, Fish, Spatial Ecology