Annual Variation in Larval Fish Assemblages in a Heavily Regulated River During Differing Hydrological Conditions

摘要: One of the most severe anthropogenic impacts on river systems worldwide has been alterations to natural flow regime. Understanding biological responses altered regimes is critical effectively rehabilitate aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated changes in larval fish assemblages during varying hydrological conditions over 5 years lower River Murray, south-eastern Australia. Larval were sampled spring/summer three distinct periods: under a within-channel pulse and water level raising (2005); drought with very low flows stable levels (2006, 2007 2008); an overbank (2010). Data analysed for annual, spatial seasonal variations, correlations examined between environmental variables. Hydrology was key driver inter-annual variation assemblages. High abundances small-bodied medium-bodied native species recorded flows, while other species, abundance more strongly correlated temperature, representing variation. Two large-bodied only conditions, significant increases conditions. We suggest groupings based response hydrology (low-flow medium-flow spawners, high-flow spawners or spawners). suggests that range (low flows) are required maintain diverse abundant fauna Murray. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.