Diel and Seasonal Habitat Use by Red Shiner ( Cyprinella lutrensis )

Abstract

sis). Zoological Studies 41(3): 229-235. Fish distribution and microhabitat use were quantified over a 24-h period 15 times from July 1988 to October 1990 at a site in the lower Platte River, Nebraska. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of availability on habitat use by the red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) and to describe variations in red shiner use of depth, velocity, cover, and substrate by seasonal and diel periods. Day-night collections showed a difference in selection or avoidance of depths and substrates in summer. Red shiners selected depths of less than 30 cm during the night and fine substrate during the day in summer, and avoided depths from 30 to 60 cm during the night and coarse substrate during the day in summer. Red shiners consistently selected slow water (< 30 cm/s) and avoided fast currents (> 60 cm/s) during both day and night times in summer and fall. Results suggest that current velocity is a major factor affecting distributions of red shiner in the lower Platte River.