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Factors Affecting Redd Site Selection, Hatching, and Emergence of Brook Charr, Salvelinus Fontinalis, in an Artificially Enhanced Site

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Abstract

We measured microhabitat characteristics, hatching and emergence success of brook charr, Salvelinus fontinalis, in a series of sites selected and not selected by individuals spawning in an artificially enhanced lake outlet. Differences between the physico-chemistry of surface and interstitial water were small and did not suggest the presence of groundwater seepage. The mean surface water velocity was significantly higher in selected than non-selected sites during the incubation and emergence periods. Differences in interstitial water flow were not detected. Overall, selected substrate was coarser and contained a lower proportion of fine particles than non-selected substrate, as determined by the geometric mean diameter of particles, the proportion of fine particles (<1 mm), and the Fredle index. The proportion of fine particles was correlated with sediment loading in incubators. A two-way ANOVA showed no significant effect of sites (selected versus non-selected) but did show a significant effect of the incubation substrate (Astro-turf™, selected substrate, non-selected substrate) on both the hatching and emergence success; the percentages of hatching and emergence were significantly higher in Astro-turf™ than in non-selected substrate, with selected substrate being intermediate. The results of this study suggest that redd site selection by brook charr is based on surface water velocity and substrate characteristics (granulometry and proportion of fine particles) that in turn affect egg survival. It is possible that the lower proportion of fine particles in selected sites (and incubators) is related to their higher water velocity, which could carry away fine particles that reduce the availability of oxygenated water to the embryos. In the same way, higher water velocity could act as a proximate cue in the absence of groundwater seepage or interstitial water flow for individuals to select suitable sites for spawning and egg incubation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Département de chimie-biologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Riviéres, C.P. 500, Trois-Riviéres, Québec, G9A 5H7, Canada

    Isabel Bernier-Bourgault & Pierre Magnan

  2. Brook Trout Foundation, Centre for Research and Education, 850 avenue du Hibou, Stoneham, Québec, G0A 4P0, Canada

    Isabel Bernier-Bourgault

Authors
  1. Isabel Bernier-Bourgault
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  2. Pierre Magnan
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Correspondence to Pierre Magnan.

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Bernier-Bourgault, I., Magnan, P. Factors Affecting Redd Site Selection, Hatching, and Emergence of Brook Charr, Salvelinus Fontinalis, in an Artificially Enhanced Site. Environmental Biology of Fishes 64, 333–341 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016006303854

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