Habitat Use and Separation among Congeneric Darter Species

Abstract

Five darter species (Greenside Darter Etheostoma blennioides, Rainbow Darter E. caeruleum, Fantail Darter E. flabellare, Johnny Darter E. nigrum, and Orangethroat Darter E. spectabile) were collected from seven streams and rivers in two Indiana watersheds to determine patterns of microhabitat selection with respect to depth, water velocity (flow), and substrate size. Heterogeneous habitats create a variety of niche dimensions, promoting the coexistence of congeneric species. Greenside and Rainbow darters were most commonly found among intermediate substrate sizes (cobble + boulder) and in locations with higher velocities and deeper water. Fantail and Orangethroat darters associated with intermediate to large substrate sizes (cobble + bedrock) were found in shallower water with lower velocities. Fantail Darters were only observed in the Whitewater River watershed. In contrast, Johnny Darters were observed only within the White River watershed among small substrate sizes (silt + sand), moderate velocities, and deeper water. Based on nonmetric multidimensional scaling and multinomial logistic regression, substrate size was the most important variable in characterizing microhabitat selection. Ultimately, habitats produced patterns of segregation and coexistence among these five darters in Indiana streams. Although ecological patterns of microhabitat use are additionally influenced by competition, morphology, and life history traits, heterogeneous habitat features within ecosystems appear to be structuring fish assemblages.

Received January 16, 2012; accepted November 25, 2012

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank Ball State University for funding; M. Pyron, S. Jacquemin, M. Bernot, and H. Finch for assistance in statistical analysis and manuscript preparation; and E. Miller, C. Pratt, J. Lau, B. Michaels, and C. Bollman for assistance in data collection.