Allison H. Roy
Peter D. Hazelton
David Perkins
Timothy Warren
Andy Fisk
Ayla J. Skorupa
2024
<div class="abstract-group metis-abstract"><div class="article-section__content en main"><ol class=""><li>Freshwater mussel species regularly co-occur in streams forming assemblages, but the extent of shared versus unique instream habitat features that contribute to their distribution and abundance is poorly understood. In Massachusetts, a rare species,<span> </span><i>Alasmidonta varicosa</i>, is often found with four other species:<span> </span><i>Alasmidonta undulata</i>,<span> </span><i>Strophitus undulatus</i>,<span> </span><i>Margaritifera margaritifera</i>, and<span> </span><i>Elliptio complanata</i>, yet variation in species composition within assemblages raises questions of potential species-specific habitat associations. Identifying species-level habitat information is critical at a spatial scale that malacologists can use to identify translocation or restoration areas.</li><li>This study investigated whether species abundance varied by mesohabitat type (riffle, run, dam pool, scour pool), instream habitat characteristics, and within-reach location (centre versus edge). From 2016 to 2019, freshwater mussel surveys were conducted in nine streams across Massachusetts and associated habitat information was collected.</li><li>Species abundances were similar across mesohabitat types.<span> </span><i>Elliptio complanata</i><span> </span>was the exception, whereby higher abundances occurred in runs and dammed pools than in riffles. Unique species relationships with habitat existed for<span> </span><i>M. margaritifera</i><span> </span>with macroalgae and emergent vegetation, and<span> </span><i>A. varicosa</i><span> </span>with heterogeneous substrate. Flow transitions, such as depositional areas that create heterogeneous substrates, may provide habitats for<span> </span><i>A. varicosa</i>.</li><li>Most mussel species were distributed with higher abundance in the river centre than the edge;<span> </span><i>E. complanata</i><span> </span>was the only species with a higher abundance at the river edge. Locations with high abundance varied based on unique relationships with pebble heterogeneity (<i>A. varicosa</i>), depth (<i>A. undulata</i>), large wood (<i>A. undulata</i>), and canopy closure (<i>E. complanata</i>). Including physical characteristics in a holistic assessment of habitat that incorporates fish and landscape attributes may further an understanding of river reaches that best support translocated and propagated freshwater mussels.</li></ol><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p></div></div>
application/pdf
10.1002/aqc.4069
en
Wiley
Abundance of five sympatric stream dwelling mussels varies with physical habitat
article