Variability in the macrofauna of a single riffle in Prosser Creek, California, as
      indicated by the Surber sampler

Needham, P; Usinger, R

Variability in the macrofauna of a single riffle in Prosser Creek, California, as indicated by the Surber sampler

Authors

Paul R. Needham
Robert L. Usinger

Authors Affiliations

Paul R. Needham was Professor of Zoölogy-Fisheries, University of California, Berkeley; Robert L. Usinger was Professor of Entomology and Entomologist in the Experiment Station, Berkeley.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 24(14):383-409. DOI:10.3733/hilg.v24n14p383. April 1956.

PDF of full article, Cite this article

Abstract

To determine the variability of the macrofauna in a single riffle, 100 bottom samples were taken in Prosser Creek, Nevada County, California, using the Surber Square Foot Sampler with a Latin Square experimental design. Statistical analyses of the results indicate that 194 samples would be required to give significant figures on total wet weights at the 95 per cent level of confidence. Total numbers would require 73 samples. The number of square foot samples necessary to ensure representation of the commonest genera or higher groups of aquatics, on the other hand, was quite low; therefore, because of its saving in labor and time, qualitative sampling rather than volume or weight, is recommended for use in pollution studies. Possibly because of the uniformity of the riffle, no correlation was found between types of organisms and different types of bottom, but striking correlations were observed with depth and speed of current. The majority of genera preferred both moderate depths and water speeds although for others the reverse was true.

Literature Cited

Ekman S. Neue Apparate zur Qualitativen and Quantitativen Erforschung der Bodenfauna der Seen. Internatl. Rev. Hydrobiol. 1911. 7:164-204.

Hess A. D. New limnological sampling equipment. 1941. Limnological Society of America. 5p. Special Publication no. 6

Leger L. Principes de la Methods Rationelle du Peuplement des Cours d’eau a Salmonides. Travaux du Laboratoire de Pisciculture de L’Université de Grenoble 1910. p.531. Fascicle 1

Needham P. R. A quantitative study of the fish food supply in selected areas. A Biological Survey of the Oswego River System, N 1928. pp.192-206. Y State Cons. Dept. Suppl. to 17th. Ann. Rpt. (1927)

Patrick Ruth. A proposed biological measure of stream conditions, based on a survey of the Conestoga Basin, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. Proc. 1949. 100:283-341.

Peterson C. G. J. Valuation of the sea. I. Danish Biol. Sta. Rpt. I. 1911. 20:1-76.

Surber Eugene W. Rainbow trout and bottom fauna production in one mile of stream. Amer. Fisheries Soc. Trans. 1936. 66:193-202. DOI: 10.1577/1548-8659(1936)66[193:RTABFP]2.0.CO;2 [CrossRef]

Usinger R. L., Needham P. R. A drag-type riffle bottom sampler. The Progressive Fish-Culturist. 1956. 18: Washington, D.C.: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. p. 42-44. DOI: 10.1577/1548-8659(1956)18[42:ADRS]2.0.CO;2 [CrossRef]

Wene G., Wickliff E. L. “Basket” method of bottom sampling. Canadian Ent. 1940. 72:131-35. DOI: 10.4039/Ent72131-7 [CrossRef]