Abundance and Distribution of Fishes in Riparian Wetlands of the Arkansas River

Relatively little information exists on fish abundance and distribution in riparian wetlands of the Arkansas River, ranging from contiguous backwaters to intermittently connected and isolated floodplain wetlands. This study indicates the Arkansas River floodplain ecosystem, despite modification, continues to provide a mosaic of wetland types supporting a diversity of fishes. These data underscore the value of cypress wetlands since they harbor a unique assemblage of fishes, some of which are of conservation concern (e.g., swamp darter and taillight shiner), that enhance diversity within the Arkansas River ecosystem.

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