South Atlantic Stream Fish Assemblages: Multi-Scale Structuring Factors, Trait Associations and Channelization, and Responses to Dam Removal

摘要: South Atlantic coastal plain streams are unique and understudied freshwater environments that provide crucial habitats for a wide range of aquatic taxa. We investigated patterns in fish assemblages across Carolina’s plain, developed statistical models to identify the dominant multi-scale abiotic environmental factors influence assemblage structure. performed hierarchical agglomerative clustering, indicator species analysis, non-metric multidimensional scaling analyses on data collected at 208 wadeable describe predominant commonly occur region. used classification random forests variables best distinguish faunal associations we identified. Our indicated presence four which termed the: 1) fluvial, 2) eastern mudminnow, 3) centrarchid, 4) non-fluvial assemblages. Assemblage names were assigned based prevailing taxonomic and/or ecological attributes with highest values each group. Natural geographic gradients instream habitat parameters associated velocity, channel form, stream size, depth played greater role distinguishing than catchment land cover network parameters, these showed weak relationships