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- Title
Biotic Condition and Species Composition of the Fish Community of Big Moccasin Creek, Scott and Russell Counties, Virginia.
- Authors
Pinder, Michael J.; Saylor, Charles F.
- Abstract
We analyzed species composition and index of biotic integrity (IBI) of the fish assemblages of Big Moccasin Creek (BMC), Scott and Russell counties, Virginia. A total of 11,933 individuals representing 36 species was collected at 10 sites. Largescale Stoneroller (Campostoma oligolepis), Tennessee Shiner (Notropis leuciodus), and Warpaint Shiner (Luxilus coccogenis) were the most abundant species. Two previously known but rare species, Stonecat (Noturus flavus) and Blotchside Logperch (Percina burtoni), were found to be extant in the system. IBI scores ranged from 40 (fair) to 50 (good). With the exception of the uppermost station, the highest scores were found in the lower half of the creek. Our survey indicates that BMC is mostly in fair condition, which indicates a loss in species richness, skewed trophic structure, and lack of top carnivores. Additional restoration efforts need to be focused on this system to protect and restore its ecological health.
- Subjects
BIOTIC communities; FISH communities; ENVIRONMENTAL health; SPECIES distribution; CARNIVOROUS animals
- Publication
Banisteria, 2017, Issue 49, p3
- ISSN
1066-0712
- Publication type
Article