Ohio Stream Fishes

Ohio streams support a diverse and unique ichthyofauna. In one study we are exploring the distribution of rare and widespread darters as a function of habitat quality. We are also examining the effect of a grazing stoneroller minnow, Campostoma anomalum on primary production and N-fixation of benthic algal mats in streams. Stonerollers are one of the few temperate grazing fishes and their densities are high in Ohio streams. Their grazing activities favor benthic nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria at the expense of diatoms.