Habitat Preferences of Slimy Sculpin and Rainbow Trout in Grout Brook, New York, 2016

In association with a project to estimate stream habitat use by two fish species; habitat parameters where slimy sculpin and rainbow trout were captured were recorded. Habitat use was observed using a backpack electrofisher in order to determine where fish were residing. Total stream habitat was calculated using equally spaced transects with observational recording of stream water depth, stream velocity, vegetative cover, and stream bed substrate composition. Comparisons of habitat use between the two species were analyzed using several statistical programs to infer competition or segregation.