Use of Habitat Guilds of Fishes to Determine Instream Flow Requirements

摘要: Abstract We grouped eight warmwater fishes, each represented by one to four life stages, into habitat-use guilds (i.e., groups of species) select target species for instream flow studies. Cluster analysis depth, velocity, substrate, and cover use identified primary guilds, which were distinguished largely on the basis water velocity. Habitat-suitability criteria developed stage combination, these used in physical habitat simulations determine relations between weighted usable area (WUA) discharge three streams upper James River basin, Virginia. Weighted areas within guild generally exhibited similar responses except those some stream-margin inhabitants strongly cover-oriented species. Four types habitat–discharge relations, consistent among streams, identified. Curves WUA versus generalists specialists...