Host Usage and Evidence of Chestnut Lamprey Distribution in Selected Arkansas Streams

Abstract

We documented distributional evidence of the parasitic fish Ichthyomyzon castaneus (Chestnut Lamprey) in selected Arkansas streams to provide information on host usage and selection of attachment sites. The species was at one point considered common in Arkansas streams, yet our sampling using boat electrofishing during late summer and fall collected Chestnut Lampreys in only 3 of the 12 streams for a total of just 8 individuals. We found evidence of Chestnut Lamprey parasitism in 7 of the 12 streams. Of the 2166 non-lamprey fishes collected, 11 individuals (0.5%) from 4 species bore evidence of Chestnut Lamprey parasitism. The most frequently parasitized host was the large-bodied, non-native Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp). There were no obvious patterns in the attachment/wound site location of parasitized fish. Further surveys of Arkansas streams are needed to evaluate trends in Chestnut Lamprey abundance and distribution.