Spatial variation in littoral fish community composition of a small reservoir relative to physical, chemical, and biological gradients

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.