Evaluation of statistical methods for avoidance data of schooling fish

Concentrations of heavy metals blends avoided by schools of fathead minnows and alkaline pH levels avoided by schools of bluegill sunfish, fathead minnows, golden shiners, and rainbow trout were determined in a boundary layer avoidance chamber. Parameters measured were residence time, activity, and sequential fish location counts. Data were evaluated using linear, quadratic, and polynomial regression, log₁₀ transformations, analysis of variance, covariance analysis, Duncan's multiple range test, and Hochberg's GT2 test. The best methods of analysis are quadratic regression and covariance analysis.