Identifier

etd-1113101-171156

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Sciences

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

To date, most research on the ecology of Hawaiian stream fishes has taken place in the middle and upper reaches of streams. In the terminal reaches of streams in Hawaii, the ecological aspects of the relatively more diverse fish assemblages are largely unknown. This study investigated patterns of microhabitat use in an assemblage of native and introduced stream fishes living in the terminal reach of Wailoa Stream on the Island of Hawaii. Multivariate and univariate analyses of microhabitat data collected through underwater visual surveys indicated that differences in microhabitat preferences were an important factor in the structure of this assemblage. Strong differences in three-dimensional microhabitat use patterns appear to allow native gobioids and introduced poeciliids to coexist in Wailoa Stream with little competition for spatial resources. However, high overlap in the microhabitat use patterns of juvenile Kuhlia xenura and introduced Poecilia mexicana and Xiphophorus helleri is cause for concern.

Date

2001

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

J. Michael Fitzsimons

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.2395

Download

Share

COinS