Shelter-use and Interactions Between Banded Sculpin (Cottus carolinae) and Bigclaw Crayfish (Orconectes placidus) in Stream-pool habitats

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to test for interference competition for shelter between adult Cottus carolinae (Banded Sculpin) and adult Orconectes placidus (bigclaw crayfish) in stream-pool habitats. Both species co-occur naturally in high densities in Brawley's Fork (Cumberland River Basin, TN), creating a potential for strong interactions over shared resources. In-stream enclosures containing one rock shelter were used to test for depth preference by adult crayfish (preference for pool habitats has already been demonstrated for the sculpin), test for shelter preference by both species and, determine if presence of one species affects shelter use of the other species. Adult bigclaw crayfish displayed a strong preference for deep water over shallow water in the enclosures, and both species used the shelter at a significantly higher rate than expected from the null hypothesis of random habitat use. Neither species, however, affected the shelter use of the other in sympatric trials, (in fact, both...