Temporal distribution and taxonomic composition differences of larval fish in a large navigable river: A comparison of artificial dike structures and natural habitat

Distributions of larval fish in a regulated river were determined by sampling 15 sites in 2003 using larval fish light traps. Typical of large river systems in the Mississippi River drainage, collections in the Kanawha River were dominated (> 93%) by Cyprinidae and Percidae species. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) along artificial dike structures were higher than CPUE along other shoreline sites, indicating the importance of these structures as nurseries. Taxonomic richness within artificial dike structures was greater than or equal to normal shoreline reference sites. Cyprinidae (Pimphales type and Notropis type) were collected significantly more on artificial structures than reference sites (p< 0.01). We collected higher numbers and observed greater CPUE of some sport fishes (Percidae) at the artificial dike structures. Percidae CPUE was significantly higher (p< 0.01) on artificial dike structures than reference sites. Percidae distribution appears to be positively influenced by the introduction of artificial dike structures in comparison to other abundant fish groups. Artificial dike structures encouraged taxonomic and larval fish diversity, and positively influenced some game fish species. The results of this study suggest that artificial dike structures are habitats that increase larval fish diversity in large, navigable rivers. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.