Laboratory and field evaluation of a new light‐emitting‐diode‐lit quatrefoil light trap for sampling fish early life stages

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveCreate and test the effectiveness of a new light‐emitting‐diode (LED) light trap for sampling early life stages of fishes in relation to a chemical light stick (CL) lit light trap.MethodsLaboratory experiments compared light intensity of the LED and CL light sources and LED‐ and CL‐lit light trap capture and retention probabilities of Razorback Sucker Xyrauchen texanus and Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas. Field experiments compared LED‐ and CL‐lit light trap captures of all fishes and Razorback Sucker larvae in both paired and unpaired analysis.ResultThe LED light source had a greater and more stable light intensity over time than the CL light source, and LED‐lit traps had similar capture and retention probabilities in laboratory experiments. However, in field experiments LED‐lit traps captured more fish and Razorback Sucker than CL‐lit traps.ConclusionLED‐lit light traps are as or more effective at sampling early life stages of fishes compared to CL‐lit light traps. Biologists should consider adopting this innovative design to increase sampling effectiveness while eliminating light stick waste.