See the Light: Construction of a Collapsible Larval Fish Light Trap Using a Low-Power LED Light Source

Authors: Alton Livingstone

Year: 2018

Abstract

Light traps have been shown to be valuable in the conservation and monitoring of endemic desert fishes. To use this method sampling in Rio San Bernardino, Sonora, Mexico, a trap was developed that is of a robust, power-efficient design. This trap disassembles and nests into itself for safe storage and transport and can be easily assembled in the field without tools. Using two lithium coin cells as a power source, light from a light emitting diode is diffused by the translucent high-density polyethylene quatrefoil trap body. Initial field tests indicate this to be an effective design and a possible alternative to more typical quatrefoil light traps of acrylic or polycarbonate construction.