Habitat use and movement of river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus R.) in a highly modified Victorian stream, Australia

Abstract

Abstract – Movement and habitat use of river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus R.) was studied in a highly modified central Victorian stream (Birch Creek), Australia, using radio telemetry (N = 10) and mark–recapture (N = 113) between October 2001 to May 2002, and November to December 2002 respectively. Blackfish had a small home range of 10–26 m with strong affinity to a pool. However, small movements within a pool were common which resulted in relatively large cumulative movements. At a diel scale there were no significant differences in blackfish movement between day and night (Kruskal–Wallis test, P = 0.95). Six of seven blackfish translocated 40 m upstream or downstream of their original positions returned within 48 h, suggesting strong affinity not only to a pool, but also to a small region within a pool. Blackfish utilised slow flowing (0–20 cm s−1) and deep waters (40–60 cm). Blackfish were strongly associated with the instream cover habitats of undercut banks and boulders. Significant differences were recorded in instream cover and water velocity used by blackfish between day and night (Kruskal–Wallis test, P = <0.01). At night blackfish used open areas with high water velocities whereas during the day blackfish used complex undercut banks with low water velocities.