What spatial segregation strategy is observed between native White Catfish and introduced Channel Catfish in the Hudson River estuary habitats?
White Catfish favor offshore shoal habitats, whereas Channel Catfish utilize nearshore and tributary mouth habitats.
Coexistence between the native *Ameiurus catus* and the introduced *Ictalurus punctatus* in the Hudson River involves complex spatial dynamics related to resource partitioning. While both species overlap within the estuary, studies indicate a degree of segregation based on environmental opportunity. The native White Catfish generally shows a preference for, or dominance within, the offshore shoal habitats. Conversely, the introduced Channel Catfish displays a tendency to shift its abundance toward the nearshore areas and the mouths of tributary rivers in the downstream reaches, suggesting the invader is utilizing available alternative niches successfully.
