Unique Presentation Identifier:
15
Program Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Kyler Hecke
Document Type
Poster
Location
Face-to-face
Start Date
9-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
9-4-2026 3:00 PM
Abstract
In this study, we seek to explore patterns of microhabitat use among darters, including variables of stream depth, water velocity, substrate composition, aquatic vegetation, and woody debris cover. The most informative microhabitat variables will be assessed using nonmetric multi-dimensional scaling (NMDS). Species with more than five individuals collected were included in analysis, totaling eight species across 24 sites in the Lower Little River Watershed of southwest Arkansas. We caught 28 Plains Darters (Etheostoma pulchellum), 27 Dusky Darters (Percina sciera), 21 Orangebelly Darters (Etheostoma radiosum), 16 Channel Darters (Percina copelandi), 13 Harlequin Darters (Etheostoma histrio), 11 Common Logperch (Percina caprodes), 7 Creole Darters (Etheostoma collettei), 7 Scaly Sand Darters (Ammocrypta vivax), and 7 Slough Darters (Etheostoma gracile). Scaly Sand Darters were primarily found in deeper, comparatively slower regions with sand and fine substrates and small amounts of vegetation and woody debris. Creole Darters inhabited swift, shallower waters with high amounts of vegetation, little woody debris, and gravel dominant substrates. Harlequin Darters were similar to Creole Darters, but had low amounts of vegetation and woody debris. Slough Darters were in slower, shallower waters with high amounts of woody debris, and a mixture of cobble and gravel substrates. Orangebelly Darters were in sites with moderate depth, flow, and vegetation, little woody debris, and mostly gravel, cobble, and sand substrates. This species was mostly found at sites above the fall line or in small tributary streams. Common Logperch and Channel Darters were both found in deep, swift waters, while Common Logperch were seen in small substrates (gravel and fine), and Channel Darters favored cobble, gravel, and highly vegetated areas. Dusky Darters were observed with high amounts of woody debris and vegetation in fast flowing, moderate depth waters with gravel, cobble, and sand. Changes in microhabitat availability throughout the rivers and streams of the watershed influenced the composition of darters at each site. Three of our eight most abundant darters are listed as Arkansas Species of Conservation Need, further highlighting the importance of preventing future habitat degradation in the watershed.
Recommended Citation
Martin, Nate J. and Wise, Savannah L., "Exploring Patterns of Microhabitat Use Among Darters in the Lower Little River Watershed, Arkansas" (2026). ATU Scholars Symposium. 59.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_rs/2026/2026/59
Included in
Exploring Patterns of Microhabitat Use Among Darters in the Lower Little River Watershed, Arkansas
Face-to-face
In this study, we seek to explore patterns of microhabitat use among darters, including variables of stream depth, water velocity, substrate composition, aquatic vegetation, and woody debris cover. The most informative microhabitat variables will be assessed using nonmetric multi-dimensional scaling (NMDS). Species with more than five individuals collected were included in analysis, totaling eight species across 24 sites in the Lower Little River Watershed of southwest Arkansas. We caught 28 Plains Darters (Etheostoma pulchellum), 27 Dusky Darters (Percina sciera), 21 Orangebelly Darters (Etheostoma radiosum), 16 Channel Darters (Percina copelandi), 13 Harlequin Darters (Etheostoma histrio), 11 Common Logperch (Percina caprodes), 7 Creole Darters (Etheostoma collettei), 7 Scaly Sand Darters (Ammocrypta vivax), and 7 Slough Darters (Etheostoma gracile). Scaly Sand Darters were primarily found in deeper, comparatively slower regions with sand and fine substrates and small amounts of vegetation and woody debris. Creole Darters inhabited swift, shallower waters with high amounts of vegetation, little woody debris, and gravel dominant substrates. Harlequin Darters were similar to Creole Darters, but had low amounts of vegetation and woody debris. Slough Darters were in slower, shallower waters with high amounts of woody debris, and a mixture of cobble and gravel substrates. Orangebelly Darters were in sites with moderate depth, flow, and vegetation, little woody debris, and mostly gravel, cobble, and sand substrates. This species was mostly found at sites above the fall line or in small tributary streams. Common Logperch and Channel Darters were both found in deep, swift waters, while Common Logperch were seen in small substrates (gravel and fine), and Channel Darters favored cobble, gravel, and highly vegetated areas. Dusky Darters were observed with high amounts of woody debris and vegetation in fast flowing, moderate depth waters with gravel, cobble, and sand. Changes in microhabitat availability throughout the rivers and streams of the watershed influenced the composition of darters at each site. Three of our eight most abundant darters are listed as Arkansas Species of Conservation Need, further highlighting the importance of preventing future habitat degradation in the watershed.