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The structure of sculpin populations along a stream size gradient

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Synopsis

Data on spatial variation of sculpin density, growth and fecundity support the hypothesis that populations of stream fish are structured by changes in risk of predation and prey availability along a gradient in stream size. Cottus bairdi in warm streams and C. cognatus in cold streams exhibit similar patterns. Sculpins in large streams have faster individual growth rates and higher fecundities than those in small streams, but occur at lower density. The patterns appear to be persistent and suggest that predation reduces sculpin density in larger streams. Competitive release, variations in prey productivity, and local factors probably contribute to the variation in sculpin growth.

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  1. Charles S. Anderson

    Present address: Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29801, U.S.A.

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  1. Museum of Zoology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A.

    Charles S. Anderson

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Anderson, C.S. The structure of sculpin populations along a stream size gradient. Environ Biol Fish 13, 93–102 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00002577

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00002577

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