Laboratory studies of potential competition for food and substrate among early juvenile Missouri River sturgeon and sympatric chub species
Abstract
Juvenile Pallid Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus predominantly consume midges (family Chironomidae) and other macroinvertebrates, while Shovelnose Sturgeon S. platorynchus, Sicklefin Chub Macrhybopsis meeki, and Shoal Chub M. hyostoma feed on those same macroinvertebrates throughout life. The primary objective of this study was to assess the substrate component of habitat selection, specifically selection between sand and mud substrates, as it relates to food availability and quantity relative to presence or absence of a photoperiod (i.e., lack of light). The study was designed to assess the strength of the innate linkage of substrate and availability of food in foraging by early juvenile Pallid Sturgeon, early juvenile Shovelnose Sturgeon, their juvenile hybrids, and adult Sicklefin Chub and Shoal Chub. The ultimate goal of the study was to develop a better understanding of potential competition for resources among these five fish groups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 2023
- Source ID
- 10.1002/nafm.10824
Entities
People
- Janice L. Albers
- Mark L. Wildhaber
Organizations
- United States Army Corps of Engineers
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service