Biological structure and dynamics of littoral fish assemblages in the eastern Finger Lakes

Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management
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Abstract

Fish assemblages from three of the New York Finger Lakes were examined for structure within and between lakes and over time. Species-area relationships indicated that local fish assemblages are the result of recent, lake-specific events that altered the regional species pool. Fish assemblages varied among seasons and those occupying eutrophic waters had different characteristics from those in oligotrophic waters. Bluntnose minnows (Pimephales notatus) were a persistent and important component of most assemblages, but abundance of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) was the most distinguishing feature. Species associations indicated that interactions among the fishes had little influence on assemblage structure. Correlations between community structure and abiotic factors were identified. Ten abiotic variables were strongly associated with the species assemblages, but could not fully explain differences between assemblages. Results indicate that the abundance and diversity of water column feeders was related to productivity of lake habitat. In general, fish populations were smaller in oligotrophic waters and water column feeders were poorly represented in those assemblages. Productivity at various trophic levels was implicated as a major factor determining lake fish assemblage structure.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Biological structure and dynamics of littoral fish assemblages in the eastern Finger Lakes
Series title Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management
DOI 10.1080/146349801753569306
Volume 4
Issue 1
Year Published 2001
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 24 p.
First page 91
Last page 114
Country United States
State New York
Other Geospatial Finger Lakes
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