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Vertical distribution and movements of brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosusLesueur 1819) in Motuoapa Bay, southern Lake Taupo, New Zealand

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Abstract

Ultrasonic telemetry was used to determine the swimming depths of brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) in Motuoapa Bay at the southern end of Lake Taupo, New Zealand. Sonic transmitters equipped with a pressure sensor were surgically implanted in 12 adult fish (295–345 mm FL). Three automatic receivers recorded a total of 61335 data points on swimming depth between 26 November 1998 and 7 November 1999. Brown bullheads swam in water from 0 to 17 m deep but showed some seasonal variations. They were more active at night when they used shallow water extensively, especially during the winter months. They were most mobile in spring when they left Motuoapa Bay, suggesting migratory behaviour. During winter the fish remained more stationary, only moving around inside the bay. The results of this study provide guidance for establishing a brown bullhead control program should it become necessary.

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  1. Department of Conservation, Private Bag, Turanga Place, Turangi, New Zealand

    M. Dedual

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  1. M. Dedual
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Dedual, M. Vertical distribution and movements of brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosusLesueur 1819) in Motuoapa Bay, southern Lake Taupo, New Zealand. Hydrobiologia 483, 129–135 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021319310063

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021319310063

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