Physical Habitat Evaluation of Small Stream Fishes: Point vs. Transect, Observation vs. Capture Methodologies

Physical habitat data (velocity and depth of water, and percentage substrate composition) for several southwestern fishes collected by point and transect methodologies were similar. Velocity estimates showed less agreement and greatest variation. Choice of direct observation or capture by electrofishing as methods to locate fishes for habitat evaluation is problematic. Fish location techniques may induce more error in measurement of habitat than do different habitat evaluation techniques.