Fish and habitat relationships: a comparison study for habitat similarities

Abstract

Fish abundance and diversity at four different habitats within Douglas Lake differing in substrate composition were compared. Minnow traps were set at the different sites for three periods of 48 hours and the fish caught were identified and counted. No significant differences in average Shannon-Weiner, species richness, or catch per unit effort among sites were found. However there is clear evidence that many fish prefer a vegetative habitat. Furthermore there was similarity in average species richness, the diversity, and CPUE between a woody and cobble substrate. Together, the four habitats suggest a relationship among some fish families for example crappie fish, bullheads, bluegill, largemouth bass, and rock bass were found together in similar habitats.