Fish assemblage composition in relation to environmental gradients in Portuguese reservoirs

¹ Estação Florestal Nacional, Posto Apícola, Tapada da Ajuda, 1300 Lisboa, Portugal
² Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Tapada da Ajuda, 1399 Lisboa, Portugal
³ Estação Florestal Nacional, Tapada das Necessidades, Rua do Borja n° 2, 1350 Lisboa, Portugal

Received: 27 April 1998
Accepted: 11 September 1998

Abstract

Patterns in fish taxa composition were examined in Portuguese reservoirs to assess whether distinct types of assemblages exist. Furthermore, the environmental variables most tightly associated with assemblage-level patterns were identified. Classification of the fish taxa-by-reservoirs matrix revealed four major groups. Groups were separated by means of canonical correspondence analysis according to (by decreasing correlation with canonical axis): air temperature, annual rainfall, surface elevation, trophic state, mean depth and reservoir placement within the basin. In addition to these variables, stocking practices and predation likely contributed to assemblage composition. Assemblages in group A were distinguished by the permanent presence of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and the absence of trout (Salmo trutta and/or Oncorhynchus mykiss), nase (Chondrostoma sp.) and barbel (Barbus sp.). Group B assemblages invariably included bass, barbel and nase, while pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) was frequent and trout was extremely rare. Assemblages in group C were also characterised by nase and barbel, but in contrast to group B, trout was frequent, whereas bass was rare and pumpkinseed was absent. Group D assemblages consisted exclusively of trout and chub (Leuciscus sp.). The relationships observed parallel patterns detected in natural lakes to a certain extent, despite the critical human influence and the probable instability of some of the patterns detected.