Evaluation of a kicking technique for sampling stream bottom fauna

Abstract

A square-framed, conical net (300-μ pores) was used in the kicking technique described herein for sampling the larger invertebrates of stony streams. Small samples have consistent percentage population components differing significantly from large ones. Even when bottom-dwellers are numerous, less than 20% of those present are collected (including less than 5.4% of the truly lithophilic species).Almost 60% of the fauna collected from any one site is taken at the first kick. Three kicks yield almost 90% of the organisms secured by 10. Some organisms bypass the net or swim from or through it, and if the net is maintained in position for any length of time, stream-drift animals will mask the sample.