New Zealand Freshwater Fish

DSC_9449 During major earthworks such as this, eroded soil settles out of the water as sediment between the stones of the substrate. Native ﬁshes spend their inactive periods hiding amongst these stones, many lay their eggs under them and some burrow down deep amongst them to seek refuge from ﬂoods or droughts. Once these gaps become clogged with sediment there is less habitat for native fish. Maruia *

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DSC_9449 During major earthworks such as this, eroded soil settles out of the water as sediment between the stones of the substrate. Native ﬁshes spend their inactive periods hiding amongst these stones, many lay their eggs under them and some burrow down deep amongst them to seek refuge from ﬂoods or droughts. Once these gaps become clogged with sediment there is less habitat for native fish. Maruia *

DSC_9449 major earthworks eroded soil freshwater sediment substrate Native ﬁshes fish stones refuge ﬂoods droughts clogged habitat destruction degradation Maruia