Seasonal meso- and microhabitat selection by the northern snakehead (Channa argus) in the Potomac river system
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Abstract
The northern snakehead (Channa argus) is a large piscivorous fish that is invasive in eastern Europe and has recently been introduced in North America. We examined the seasonal habitat selection at meso- and microhabitat scales using radio-telemetry to increase understanding of the ecology of this species, which will help to inform management decisions. After the spawning season (postspawn season, September–November), northern snakeheads preferred offshore Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) beds with shallow water (∼115 cm) and soft substrate. In the winter (November–April), these fish moved to deeper water (∼135 cm) with warmer temperatures, but habitat selection was weak at both scales. Northern snakeheads returned to shallower water (∼95 cm) in the prespawn season (April–June) and used milfoil and other cover. Habitat selection was the strongest at both meso- and microhabitat scales during the spawning season (June–September), when fish preferred macrophytes and cover in shallow water (∼88 cm). Our results help to identify habitats at the risk of invasion by northern snakeheads. We suggest that control efforts and future research focus on shallow waters, and take into consideration the seasonal habitat preferences.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Seasonal meso- and microhabitat selection by the northern snakehead (Channa argus) in the Potomac river system |
| Series title | Ecology of Freshwater Fish |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.1600-0633.2010.00437.x |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 10 |
| Year Published | 2010 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Munksgaard |
| Publisher location | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Leetown |
| Description | 12 p. |
| First page | 566 |
| Last page | 577 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland, Virginia |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |