Dynamics of Ichthyoplankton in the Kanawha River, West Virginia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ichthyoplankton distribution and abundance were examined in the upper Kanawha River in the main channel, main-channel border (nearshore), and shoreline habitats. Drift of larval fish was comprised of 25 taxa distributed among 11 families and occurred from early April to late August, with peak densities in early June. Fish larvae appeared and densities peaked at water temperatures of 8.5°C and 22°C, respectively. Larval freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) was the most abundant taxa followed by Clupeidae, common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and other Cyprinidae. Clupeidae, common carp, and freshwater drum dominated main channel and nearshore collections. Cyprinidae, Catostomidae, and bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) dominated shoreline collections. Most fish larvae (99%) collected in the main channel and nearshore habitats were protolarvae, while the larger larvae, meso- and metalarvae, were more abundant along the shoreline. In the main channel, fish larvae and eggs were generally distributed throughout the water column, but at times were more abundant on the bottom. Generally, larval fish densities were lower in the main channel compared to nearshore habitats.