Quantitative sampling of freshwater shrimps: comparison of two electrofishing procedures in a Caribbean stream

Abstract

Two electrofishing procedures (point abundance sampling and removal sampling) for estimating community structure and the abundance of freshwater shrimps (Decapoda: Natantia) were compared at five sites in the Grand-Carbet River, Guadeloupe, French West Indies, on the basis of species richness, species frequency and the length of caught individuals. Sampling was carried out using battery-powered portable electric fishing gear. Both point abundance sampling and removal procedures highlighted a steep longitudinal gradient related to the shrimp fauna and no consistent discrepancy was observed between the two procedures in the different sites. Thus, the choice of one of these two procedures will depend only on the study objective. The benefits and disadvantages of these iwo electrofishing procedures are concisely dis- cussed.