Development and application of a bioenergetics model for the Plains Killfish (Fundulus zebrinus) and Red River Shiner (Notropis bairdi)

I studied bioenergetics models as a method of predicting fish assemblage change after anthropogenic modifications within the upper Wichita River Basin, Texas. I determined the critical thermal maximum, and consumption and respiration rates for the salt-tolerant plains killifish Fundulus zebrinus and the salt-intolerant Red River shiner Notropis bairdi. This information was used to develop a bioenergetics model for both species and facilitate the comparison of growth rates under different temperatures and salinities. My results show the plains killifish, and most likely all other salt-tolerant fish, to have increased growth and a metabolic advantage over the Red River shiner, and most likely all other salt-intolerant fish under the conditions expected from implementation of chloride control structures. Bioenergetics models provide a viable method for predicting fish assemblage changes after anthropogenic alterations of the physical and chemical properties within the Wichita River.