Evaluation of Volitional Swimming Behavior of Schizothorax prenanti Using an Open-Channel Flume with Spatially Heterogeneous Turbulent Flow.

Abstract

Simple SummaryA lack of information on fish volitional swimming behavior in response to various instream flow conditions may inhibit the development of an effective fishway. In this study, Schizothorax prenanti, Tchang, 1930 (S. prenanti), an endemic species in the Jinsha river basin, was tested for volitional swimming behavior in a self-designed open-channel flume. Quantified indices, describing preferred hydraulic characteristics, swimming strategies, and swimming speeds, were collected to analyze fish behavioral responses to turbulent flow. The results showed that S. prenanti preferred to select regions with low flow velocities (0.25–0.50 m/s) and turbulent kinetic energy (<0.05 m2/s2) and employed steady swimming behavior to search for flow velocities lower than the average current to conserve energy in low- and moderate-flow regimes. Additionally, the average and maximum burst speeds of S. prenanti were 2.63 ± 0.37 and 3.49 m/s, respectively. The aim of this study was to apply fish volitional swimming behavior data on the the design and optimization of fishways for specific target species, as well as a novel test method for other migratory fish species.Effective fishway design requires knowledge of fish swimming behavior in streams and channels. Appropriate tests with near-natural flow conditions are required to assess the interaction between fish behavior and turbulent flows. In this study, the volitional swimming behavior of S. prenanti was tested and quantified in an open-channel flume with three (low, moderate, and high) flow regimes. The results showed that, when confronted with alternative flow regimes, S. prenanti preferred to select regions with low flow velocities (0.25–0.50 m/s) and turbulent kinetic energy (<0.05 m2/s2) for swimming, while avoiding high-turbulence areas. Moreover, S. prenanti primarily employed steady swimming behavior to search for flow velocities lower than the average current to conserve energy in low- and moderate-flow regimes. It is hypothesized that in regions with higher flow velocities, fish may change their swimming strategy from energy conservation to time conservation. Additionally, the average and maximum burst speeds of S. prenanti were 2.63 ± 0.37 and 3.49 m/s, respectively, which were 2.21- and 2.28-fold higher than the average (1.19 m/s) and maximum (1.53 m/s) burst speeds estimated from the enclosed swim chamber for fish of similar length. This study contributes a novel research approach that provides more reliable information about fish volitional swimming behavior in natural habitats, as well as recommendations for hydraulic criteria for fishways and the identification of barriers to fish migrations.