Spatial and Temporal Resource Utilization by Southeastern Cyprinids

Abstract
The importance and structure of spatial and temporal resource dimensions for 8 cyprinid fishes in the upper Black Creek system, Mississippi [USA], were studied. The 8 species were: Notropis welaka, N. signipinnis, N. roseipinnis, N. texanus, N. venustus, N. chrysocephalus, N. longirostris and Ericymba buccata. Species segregated to a limited extent geographically; overlap within the drainage was high. Microhabitat analysis showed that vertical water column position and association with aquatic vegetation were the most important spatial resource gradients. Six species segregated along these 2 dimensions. N. longirostris and E. buccata were very similar in spatial resource use but differed in temporal feeding activity, the latter species being largely nocturnal. Species which were less distinct in resource use patterns had broader geographical ranges.