Multiyear homing and fidelity to residence areas by individual barbel (Barbus barbus)

Nine barbels (Barbus barbus) from the River Ourthe (River Meuse basin) were equipped with transmitters programmed to switch ON during two consecutive spawning seasons in 1998 and 1999 (April to July). Six of the nine barbels tracked in 1998 were also tracked in 1999 during the same period. The length of the spawning migration ranged from 200 to 22700m. After the spawning activity observed from 12-16 May 1998 and 4-6 May 1999, the barbels homed to the site occupied before spawning. Each barbel used the same spawning area in 1998 and 1999, despite the presence of other spawning sites on their migratory route. These observations revealed the existence of strict reproductive homing in the barbel and a long-term fidelity to particular resting places.