A Study of Darter (Percidae) Assemblages in Several Tributaries of the Ottawa River, Québec, Canada

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the habitat preference (or use), distribution and growth of darters (Channel Darter Percina copelandi, Logperch Percina caprodes, Fantail Darter Etheostoma flabellare, Tessellated Darter Etheostoma olmstedi and Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum) in tributaries of the Ottawa River, Québec, Canada. The Channel Darter’s habitat can be characterised by coarse heterogeneous substrate with water velocities greater than 0.25 m/s in zones with low bank slopes. Its distribution is limited to five tributaries of the Ottawa River, downstream from the first physical barrier. The Logperch and Fantail Darter’s habitats were similar to that of the Channel Darter, although the Fantail Darter was present in shallower waters. The Tessellated Darter was spatially partitioned from the others; the species seems to be a habitat generalist. The Johnny Darter was the least abundant darter and seems to prefer coarse heterogeneous substrate. The majority of growth in length was attained during the first year in all species. Growth rates were affected by the presence of parasites in the Channel Darter and Fantail Darter, non-parasitized individuals growing faster than parasitized individuals. Growth rates also differed among males and females in the Channel Darter, males growing faster than females.