An assessment of larval fish density and assemblage structure within mid-channel and backwater habitats in a mississippi stream

Abstract

We investigated larval fish density and assemblage structure in mid-channel and backwater areas of Luxapallila Creek, Mississippi to better understand larval fish distribution across these two stream habitats. Our results showed backwater and mid-channel habitats not to differ with respect to total larval fish density, but rather in how larval fish taxa were apportioned across habitats. This research suggests stream alterations that reduce backwater habitats, which has occurred in Luxapallila Creek, may affect fish assemblage structure by reducing resource requirements of some fish larvae. © 2001, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.