Estimate of biological production in some stream invertebrates

Abstract

Abstract Annual production of invertebrates was investigated in two streams, the Hinau and Horokiwi, in the North Island of New Zealand. Estimates were based on the instantaneous growth rate method, with adjustments made according to the number of generations produced per year. Production of primary consumers (herbivores and detritus feeders) was 7.6–72.1 g.m‐2.y‐1, and of secondary consumers (predators) 0.8–11.9 g.m‐3.y‐1. In both streams the lowest production was found in tree‐shaded situations. Production: biomass ratios ranged from 5.3 to 7.9 for primary consumers, and from 3.7 to 6.5 for secondary consumers. These ratios fall within the range of results found by workers in other countries. Fish in the two streams studied feed mainly on the primary consumers and so may be competing for food with invertebrate secondary consumers.