Patterns of Microhabitat Use Among Four Species of Darters in Three Appalachian Streams

Abstract

-We used snorkeling techniques to examine patterns of microhabitat use among four species of darters-Etheostoma flabellare, E. blennioides, Percina gymnocephala and the potentially threatened E. osburni-in three West Virginia streams. Sympatric darter species were generally segregated in each stream, based on microhabitat use variables of mean depth, current velocity and substrate type. In all three streams-the East Fork of the Greenbrier River, the Cherry River and Laurel Creek-E. osburni was observed in fast current velocities and rock substrate in water depths ranging from 20 to 30 cm. In the East Fork of the Greenbrier River and Laurel Creek, E.fiabellare was common in slower velocities over predominantly cobble substrate. Percina gymnocephala and E. blennioides were spatially segregated from E. osburni on the basis of water column depth. Differences in habitat use may be related to morphological differences between species.