Effects of Predatory Sunfish on the Density, Drift, and Refuge Use of Stream Salamander Larvae

We addressed several controversial issues regarding the impact of predatory fish on prey in natural streams in Kentucky by experimentally adding predatory green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus, to four stream pools that contained small—mouthed salamander larvae, Ambystoma barbouri, while leaving four other pools as fishless controls. We monitored the density, drift (in and out of pools), and habitat use of the larvae before and for 1 mo after fish addition (until larvae began to undergo metamorphosis). By quantifying larval density and drift, we were able to address two issues: (1) effect of prey exchange on predator impacts; and (2) relative contribution to total predator impact of predation per se vs. predator—induced emigration. Larval densities and behaviors were similar in experimental and control pools before fish addition. After fish addition: (1) density decreased more rapidly in fish pools than in control pools; (2) larvae in fish pools spent more time under rocks and less time in deep, central areas ...

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