Abstract
This study investigated factors controlling settlement and initial density of two species, Galaxias vulgaris and Galaxias paucispondylus (Galaxiidae), in New Zealand streams. Factors affecting maximum fry abundance were assessed at 10 sites (eight streams) differing in habitat characteristics and the presence or absence of introduced brown Salmo trutta and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Regression analysis indicated that conspecific adult numbers, extent of backwater habitat and brown and rainbow trout density were the most important factors determining initial fry density. Experimental additions of backwater habitat increased fry settlement tenfold compared with control reaches, demonstrating that the area available for fry settlement had a substantial effect on fry abundance. Results from this study indicate that fry settlement may be a critical limiting phase for some non‐diadromous galaxiid populations. Increasing settlement area to enhance fry retention offers a practical conservation tool for fisheries managers that may aid conservation of threatened fishes like galaxiids.
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