Life Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Substrate On Movement Patterns And Behavior Of Stream Fish Through Culverts: An Experimental Approach, Kyla Johnson, Lindsay E. Wait, Suzanne K. Monk, Russell Rader, Rollin H. Hotchkiss, Mark C. Belk

Faculty Publications

Culverts can provide a significant barrier to fish passage by fragmenting fish habitats and impeding the passage success of small-bodied fish. Geographical connectivity is critical to the maintenance of diverse fish assemblages. Culverts with high cross-sectional velocity can cause population fragmentation by impeding passage of small, freshwater fish. Behavioral responses of small fish to high velocities can differ among functional groups, and swimming behavior of many species is not well known. We tested effects of substrate type on swimming behavior in two small, freshwater fish species—southern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda aliciae, a midwater species), and longnose dace (Rhinichthys …