Movement patterns and habitat use by juvenile and adult sicklefin redhorse (Moxostoma sp.) in the Tuckasegee River basin

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Kyle Anthony Stowe (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Thomas Martin

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the seasonal movements andmicrohabitat use of juvenile and adult sicklefin redhorse (SFRH) (Moxostoma sp.) in theTuckasegee and Oconaluftee rivers in western North Carolina. Seven hatchery-rearedjuveniles and six wild adults were implanted with radio transmitters in order to determineand assess movement patterns and habitat use and preference, along with spawningmigration of adults. Fish were monitored daily to weekly over the operating-life of theradio transmitters. Juveniles preferred moderate to deep pools with large boulder crevicecover and slow moving currents. Juveniles displayed major movements occurring in latesummer and fall, resulting in downstream movements. Adult sicklefins preferredmoderately deep river channels with swift thalwegs and coarse substrate supporting riverweed Podostemum ceratophyllum during summer, fall and winter. The adult SFRHdiffered by sex in their movement patterns. Males moved to lower river reaches andreservoirs in winter then to spawning areas in upper river reaches in late winter and earlyspring. Females resided in the same river stretch for all seasons, moving minimally.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2014
Keywords
Catastomid, habitat, migration, movement, Moxostoma, Sicklefin Redhorse
Subjects
Redhorses -- Migration -- North Carolina -- Tuckasegee River
Redhorses -- Migration -- North Carolina -- Oconaluftee River
Redhorses -- Seasonal distribution -- North Carolina -- Tuckasegee River
Redhorses -- Seasonal distribution -- North Carolina -- Oconaluftee River

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