Acoustic evaluation of the vertical distribution of dwarf ayu Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis in Lake Biwa |
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| Authors: | Kunio Shirakihara Masahiko Yoshida Machiko Nishino Yoshimi Takao Kouichi Sawada |
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| Institution: | Faculty of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507;, Lake Biwa Research Institute, Otsu, Shiga 520-0806 and; National Research Institute of Fisheries Engineering, Hasaki, Ibaraki 314-0421, Japan |
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| Abstract: | SUMMARY: The vertical distribution of dwarf ayu Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis in the pelagic waters of Lake Biwa was evaluated from June to September in 1995–97 from eight acoustic surveys using a quantitative echosounder. In each survey, echoes from a depth range of 3 m to the sea bottom were collected at a station every 2.7 s for 24 h together with measurements of vertical profiles of water temperature and chlorophyll-a. The ayu's echoes were identified using an underwater video camera. The ayu were observed near the maximum chlorophyll-a depth and above the thermocline. Their density was highest at depths of 4–11 m with 2–4 individuals/m 3 and was almost zero below 20 m. Echo signs were recorded as having a frequent duration of more than 1 h at night, whereas were of a shorter duration in the day. The fish stay in the epilimnion during the day without any clear vertical migration, but are distributed more uniformly at night. The advantages of remaining in the epilimnion are discussed in terms of food availability and predator avoidance. |
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| Keywords: | ayu vertical distribution density Lake Biwa acoustic evaluation |
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