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Intraspecific resource partitioning in a headwaters stream fish, the pearl dace Semotilus margarita (Cyprinidae)

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Synopsis

Pearl dace, Semotilus margarita, are common in slow-moving channels and pools of the headwaters of the Brokenhead River. From May to September age groups 0, 1 and 2+ were partially segregated in space based on water depth with age 0 occupying shallow pools and shallow channels. Age 1 were abundant in shallow pools and deep channels while age 2+ occurred in deep channels and deep pools. In November all age groups coexisted in deep pools. Pearl dace are omnivorous consuming invertebrates, plant material, and detritus. From May to September age groups 0 and 1 consumed mainly terrestrial invertebrates (Diptera, Hymenoptera, Thysanoptera) but age 1 consumed more detritus than age 0. Age 2+ consumed mainly aquatic Diptera larvae. Although all ages consumed aquatic insects almost exclusively in November differences in diet between age groups still existed. Younger fish fed higher in the water column than older fish. Intraspecific resource partitioning of food and space occurs between age groups and this combined with the omnivorous diet is highly adaptive to the headwaters of streams.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada

    Ross F. Tallman & John H. Gee

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  1. Ross F. Tallman
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  2. John H. Gee
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Tallman, R.F., Gee, J.H. Intraspecific resource partitioning in a headwaters stream fish, the pearl dace Semotilus margarita (Cyprinidae). Environ Biol Fish 7, 243–249 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00002499

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00002499

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