What is alevin habitat?

The habitat requirements of alevins vary depending on the species of fish. In general, they prefer shallow, vegetated areas with clean, well-oxygenated water. The vegetation provides cover from predators and the oxygen helps them develop properly. In addition to these two key parameters, the substrate of the streambed is also important, as gravel helps create interstitial spaces through which oxygenated water can pass while providing cover and places for alevins to rest. Additionally, alevins are sensitive to light, so they prefer areas with shade. The water temperature can also be important, as some species of fish require cooler water temperatures than others. Overall, the quality of the physical habitat is one of the greatest determinants of juvenile salmonid rearing and winter survival, which largely is a function of stream habitat condition relative to water flows to maintain habitat structure, the amount of sediment (e.g., sand) embedded in gravels, which can inhibit movement of water into gravels and negatively impact egg to alevin survival.