Habitat and abundance of Balitoridae in Thailand

[Bagrus dude]

Beamish, FWH, P Sa-ardrit & V Cheevaporn, 2008. Habitat and abundance of Balitoridae in small rivers of central Thailand. Journal of Fish Biology 72: 2467–2484.

Abstract

Balitorids were collected, by electrofishing, from small rivers across central Thailand between October 2000 and March 2004. Total balitorid abundance for the 18 species averaged 3–8% of the cumulative total for all fishes. Balitorid species numbers and abundance varied directly with elevation to c. 400 m, substratum particle size and ambient silica concentration. Species numbers at stations were modest and few species were widely distributed. Species associations related significantly with elevation, temperature and ambient concentrations of dissolved oxygen and silica. Turbidity was also significant but probably an artefact. Habitat separation clearly occurs among some balitorids, particularly the less common species, and probably represents species-specific direct and indirect habitat effects. The more common balitorid species tended to occur in similar habitats where the significant factors approximated average values. For these species, coexistence is suggested to occur through food resource sharing possibly facilitated through adaptations. Balitorid distributions in low-order rivers are attributed to the direct and indirect influences of the environment on energy available for the performance of essential activities.

[CatsandFish]

Interesting article.
But did i get it right ?
Basically it says that the same species of Ballitorid.
varies in appearance when found at different altitudes ?
This could very well explain the differences we spot in our Beaufortia Leveretti's/Kweichowensis.

[Emma Turner]

HH, do you have the full paper? If so (and if possible), please could you email a copy to emmaandsteve@clownloach.eclipse.co.uk

Many thanks!

Emma