Movement patterns and environmental influences of two cyprinids in an intermittent reach of an Ozark stream

Previous research in perennial headwater systems has shown the majority of fishes exhibit restricted movement; however, few studies have tested the restricted movement hypothesis in an intermittent stream where resource availability is often patchy relative to perennial streams.  Our objectives were to examine movement patterns of southern redbelly dace (Chrosomus erythrogaster) and creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), two small-bodied fishes common in a 5958m reach of an intermittent headwater stream and to determine the environmental factors influencing these movement patterns.  A total of 4744 C. erythrogaster and 406 S. atromaculatus were tagged with elastomer over the first two sample trips.  Capture efficiency was high for both C. erythrogaster (97%) and S. atromaculatus (94%) and recapture rate varied from 23% to 10%, respectively.  Mark-recapture results indicated a high percentage of recaptures during the Fall season remained within the original pool of capture (68% for C. erythrogaster and 42% for S. atromaculatus). However, some individuals did move long distances: 5,732m for C. erythrogaster and 1,088m for S. atromaculatus. These long exploratory movement behaviors may be a means of evaluating alternative habitats for additional resource requirements. Mark-recapture data relating environmental parameters with movement and persistence of individuals will be discussed further.