Author(s): Min Chen

Linked Author(s): Min Chen, Ruidong An, Jia LI

Keywords: Schizothorax prenanti; Spawning habitat; Flume experiment; Substrate composition; Reproductive behavior

Abstract: Quantifying suitable physical habitat parameters for Schizothorax prenanti spawning grounds is critical for their habitat restoration. This study developed an indoor recirculating flume system (10m×3m) combining four substrate configurations (sand:gravel:cobble ratios) with four velocity gradients (<0.15, 0.30-0.45, 0.60-0.80, 1.00-1.20 m/s). During over 270 hours of observation with 27 adult specimens, reproductive behaviors were quantified through video analysis. Mixed-grain substrates (2:5:3 ratio) at moderate velocities (0.30-0.45 m/s) maximized companion swimming (57.75 times/h) and patrolling (121.70 times/h), significantly higher than other combinations. Statistical analysis revealed substrate composition exerts stronger control than velocity on habitat selection. These findings provide quantitative parameters for optimizing habitat restoration and endemic fish conservation in the upper Yangtze River.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.ise2026.abs.332

Year: 2026