Cyprinella Venusta Research Articles

Long-term Trends in the Bogue Chitto River Fish Assemblage: A 27 Year Perspective

We conducted a thorough survey of the Bogue Chitto River fish assemblage from February 1996 to January 1997 to examine long-term trends in the assemblage by comparing our findings to surveys conducted in 1971–1974 and 1987–1988. The 1971–1974 survey described an assemblage dominated by Cyprinidae (50%), Percidae (9%), and Ictaluridae (8%). Numerically abundant species included Notropis longirostris (19%), Cyprinella venusta (13%), and Percina sciera (10%). The 1987–1988 survey described an assemblage dominated by Cyprinidae (74%), Percidae (9%), and Centrarchidae (9%). The numerically dominant species were C. venusta (36%) and N. longirostris (16%). Our survey described an assemblage dominated by Cyprinidae (75%), Percidae (8%), Centrarchidae (6%), and Poeciliidae (6%). We identified a decline in the relative abundance or possible extirpation of over twenty species during the 27-year period and the numerically dominant species was C. venusta (57%). Using Morisita's Index of Similarity, we found relatively low faunal similarity between the 1970–1974 survey and our study, but relatively high similarity between the 1987–1988 survey and our survey. In addition, assemblage evenness and heterogeneity decreased over time, indicating a change in the system's fish fauna from one with relatively high species evenness and diversity to a fauna dominated by a few, abundant species. We speculate that increased siltation has contributed to changes in the Bogue Chitto River fish assemblage because many of the declining species were benthic minnows and darters, which would be adversely effected by increasing substrate loads.

Are Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) Attracted to Schreckstoff? A Test of the Predator Attraction Hypothesis

The predator attraction (PA) hypothesis proposes that chemicals released from the skin (Schreckstoff) of an injured fish during a predation event attract nearby piscivorous fishes, which then compete for the prey. The confusion of this additional competition may allow the injured fish to escape. This is an alternate hypothesis to kin selection for the evolution of fish alarm systems, particularly in the superorder Ostariophysi. Schreckstoff is found in the skin of ostariophysans and some unrelated taxa, whereas muscle is not known to possess any unique pheromones. I tested the PA hypothesis using a natural assemblage of southeastern fishes. Micropterus punctulatus (Spotted Bass) were exposed to skin (Schreckstoff) and muscle (non-Schreckstoff) extracts from five co-occurring prey species, Cyprinella venusta (Blacktail Shiner), Pimephales vigilax (Bullhead Minnow), Gambusia affinis (Western Mosquitofish), Fundulus olivaceus (Blackspotted Topminnow), and Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill). Micropterus punctulatus did not increase foraging behavior after exposure to skin extract from any of the five potential prey species; however, there was an increase in foraging behavior after exposure to muscle extract from C. venusta. The PA hypothesis was not supported by this study, and other influences on the evolution of this system are proposed.

Influence of familiarity on shoaling behaviour in Texas and blacktail shiners

The Texas shiner Notropis amabilis and the blacktail shiner Cyprinella venusta demonstrated statistically significant preferences for the side of the tank holding their familiar shoalmates, and significantly stronger shoaling behaviour with their familiar shoalmates, than with unfamiliar fish.

Oral Grasping: A Distinctive Behavior of Cyprinids for Maintaining Station in Flowing Water

We examined oral grasping behavior, a unique and relatively unknown method of maintaining station against flow, in nine species of North American cyprinids to determine whether oral grasping was used by a range of cyprinid species and to further investigate the relationship between oral grasping and water velocity. Fish were subjected to a stepwise increasing velocity test in a 100-liter laboratory swim tunnel that had wire mesh (0.6-mm diameter) attached to a flow filter serving as the grasping substrate. Frequency and duration of oral grasping events were noted for a particular fish during each velocity increment. We observed 608 grasping events, and oral grasping behavior was exhibited by all nine species examined. Mean number of grasping events was high (28.4/trial) for Cyprinella venusta, intermediate (approximately 18/trial) for Cyprinella camura, and Notropis longirostris, and low (< 5/trial) for Notropis texanus, Notropis maculatus, and Notropis wickliffi. Although critical swimming speed varied among species, the water velocity at which oral grasping behavior initially appeared (threshold grasping velocity), expressed as a percentage of critical swimming speed, was approximately 70–80% for most species tested. Oral grasping may be triggered by the onset of muscular fatigue, and is an attempt by minnows to maintain position in water velocities exceeding aerobic swimming ability. We speculate that minnows in lotic environments use oral grasping when high, energetically demanding water velocities are unavoidable, such as during a flood.

Host Fishes and Infection Strategies of Freshwater Mussels in Large Mobile Basin Streams, USA

We investigated host fishes, timing and modes of glochidial release, and host-attraction strategies for 7 species of freshwater mussels from the Buttahatchee and Sipsey rivers (Mobile Basin), Alabama and Mississippi, USA. We determined hosts as fish species that produced juvenile mussels from laboratory-induced glochidial infections. We established the following primary mussel/host relationships: Elliptio arca with Etheostoma artesiae and Percina nigrofasciata; Fusconaia cerina with 6 species of minnows (Cyprinidae); Lampsilis ornata with Micropterus salmoides; Medionidus acutissimus with 8 species of darters (Percidae); Obovaria unicolor with Ammocrypta beani, A. meridiana ,a ndEth- eostoma artesiae; Pleurobema decisum with Cyprinella venusta ;a ndQuadrula asperata with Ictalurus punc- tatus. For most mussel species, host use was similar to that of closely related species, indicating that, in general, this trait is highly conserved at the generic level. Four mussel species used host-attraction strategies that targeted their specific host fish. Fusconaia cerina and P. decisum released glochidia in conglutinates that elicited feeding responses from fishes in the field and in the laboratory. Gravid female Lampsilis ornata and M. acutissimus displayed mantle lures. Host-attraction strategies were less apparent for E. arca and Q. asperata, but these species released glochidia in association with copious mucous secretions, which may serve to entangle fishes, facilitating host infection. No host-attraction strategy was apparent for O. unicolor.

Distribution and Abundance of the Goldstripe Darter (Etheostoma parvipinne) in Missouri

From 1997 to 1999, I surveyed for the goldstripe darter (Etheostoma parvipinne), an endangered species in Missouri, to describe its distribution and abundance at 3 scales. At the largest scale, I sampled all small, flowing streams on Crowley's Ridge and the Ozark fall-line in southeastern Missouri. I identified 5 spatially distinct communities by their unique species: the goldstripe darter community, the gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) community, the orangethroat darter (Etheostoma spectabile)-central stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum) community, the banded pygmy sunfish (Elassoma zonatum) community, and the blacktail shiner (Cyprinella venusta)-blunt-nose minnow (Pimephales notatus) community. Despite exhaustive sampling, I did not find goldstripe darters at Romine Spring, the 1 historic locality on the Ozark fall-line, nor anywhere else on the Ozark fall-line. I did find them in the 3 historically sampled streams in the Holly Ridge area on Crowley's Ridge, plus 3 previously unsampled streams in the immediate vicinity. At an intermediate scale, I failed to capture goldstripe darters in 12 of 18 streams in the Holly Ridge area. The streams without goldstripe darters were associated with human modifications such as gravel mining, small impoundments, household effluent, and pipe culverts. At the smallest scale, I collected 106 goldstripe darters at 15 sites on 6 streams. I estimated total length of habitat for goldstripe darters in Missouri to be 5.7 km of stream. I found that there were more goldstripe darters in a larger area than previously thought; however, goldstripe darters were still one of the rarest fish species in Missouri.

Microgeographical variation in ovum size of the blacktail shiner, Cyprinella venusta Girard, in relation to streamflow

Abstract – There is a strong, positive correlation between egg size and the discharge variable mean annual runoff among populations of Cyprinella venusta Girard from streams in different drainages ranging across the Gulf Coastal Plain of the southern United States. This variation may have resulted from selection for larger egg size, hence larger offspring size, because of greater environmental fluctuation or a greater number of floods in streams with higher runoff. In the present study, we examined C. venusta from populations inhabiting streams varying in mean annual runoff within a single drainage and found a similar correlation between ovum size and runoff. Therefore, the egg size–runoff relationship exists at a much smaller (i.e., intra‐drainage) spatial scale than previous research (based on widespread inter‐drainage variation) has shown. We also attempted to establish a link between mean annual runoff and streamflow‐mediated disturbance as indicated by predictability of streamflow, monthly coefficients of variation in discharge and number of days with extreme low and high flows. Although the overall predictability of discharge did not differ among streams, the streams with high mean annual runoff were characterized by smaller coefficients of variation in winter, fewer days of extremely low flows and a trend toward higher flows in late summer and early fall. At the intra‐drainage scale, higher coefficients of variation did not accurately reflect the numbers of extreme flows. These results call into question the use of coefficients of variation in discharge as indicators of disturbance. Given that eggs, larvae and small juveniles of C. venusta are present in late summer and early fall, when flows in high runoff streams tend to be high relative to low runoff streams, we conclude that these high flows may act as a selective force causing the evolution of larger egg size.

Riffles as barriers to interpool movement by three cyprinids (Notropis boops, Campostoma anomalum and Cyprinella venusta)

1. The effects of riffles as barriers to movement of stream fish was investigated in a set of eight large outdoor artificial streams. Pools were 183 cm in diameter and 45 cm deep; riffles were 183 cm long and 43 cm wide. Rates of movement of three species of minnows (Cyprinidae) (Campostoma anomalum, Cyprinella venusta and Notropis boops) among pools were measured at four riffle current velocities (0, 15, 30 and 45 cm s–1), three thalweg depths (10, 50 and 100 mm), two riffle lengths (183 and 549 cm), and with and without the threat of predation. Visual observation and video cameras were used to quantify movement rate.2. Mean movement rate (percentage of fish crossing a riffle each 30 min) was 18.1% at 0 cm s–1 and only 1.8 at 45 cm s–1. Movement rate was 7.2% with no predators present and 20.2% with caged predators in pools. Notropis boops had a lower rate of movement than C. venusta or C. anomalum across all trials. The mean group size (number of individuals crossing a riffle together) was 1.2 fish overall, indicating most movement was by individuals and not groups. Group size was significantly greater only with shallow riffles or under the threat of predation.3. Overall biotic and abiotic factors in these artificial streams do influence movement rates and may affect movement among pools in natural streams.

Microhabitat Selection by Three Stream-Dwelling Cyprinids: Blacktail Shiner (Cyprinella venusta), Bluntface Shiner (C. camura), and Striped Shiner (Luxilus chrysocephalus)

Cyprinids in small streams tend to segregate spatially to reduce competitive interaction and avoid predation. Understanding environmental parameters by which these fishes segregate provides valuable information on structure of fish guilds. Previous multivariate analyses of field data suggest spatial segregation occurs vertically within the water column and in relation to aquatic plants. In an experimental flume we controlled water flow and these two parameters to further investigate microhabitat partitioning of three cyprinid species: blacktail (Cyprinella venusta), bluntface (C. camura), and striped shiners (Luxilus chrysocephalus). Fish distribution relative to the environmental parameters was quantified with videography and expressed as percent occurrence. We observed significant differences across fish treatments in microhabitat selection relative to water flow and water column, and differences in species overlaps. These data support the idea that vertical position in water column is a major factor delineating resource gradients and maintaining habitat guilds. Blacktail shiners, however, showed a higher affinity to the upper water column than previously reported, and no differences were noted among the three shiners in their distributions relative to aquatic plants.

Ontogeny and Allometry of Body Shape in the Blacktail Shiner,Cyprinella venusta

Abstract Ontogenetic changes in body shape and its associated allometry were studied in the Blacktail Shiner, Cyprinella venusta, using geometric morphometric methods. We used a single, large sample (n = 397; 182 males, 215 females), collected in Catahoula Creek, Jourdan River drainage, Hancock County, Mississippi. Ten body landmarks were digitized from each specimen, which yielded partial warp scores that were used as shape variables to describe body shape change during ontogeny, assess sexual dimorphism, and investigate the relationship between reproductive status and ontogenetic body shape change. We also assessed the effect of sexual dimorphism on size and body shape. The null hypothesis of isometry during ontogeny was strongly rejected by multivariate regression of shape on size for both sexes (males, P < 0.0001, F = 21.970; females, P < 0.0001, F = 16.238). We found large, highly significant sexually dimorphic differences in the body shapes of males and females (MANOVA for overall shape, P < 0.0001,...

Schooling preferences for familiar fish vary with group size in a wild guppy population

The ability of fish to recognize and preferentially associate with familiar conspecifics has been well documented in a series of laboratory experiments. In this paper we investigate the schooling preferences of wild female guppies, Poecilia reticulata, in the Upper Tunapuna River in Trinidad and confirm that they do indeed prefer to associate with familiar individuals. The guppies in this river occur in a series of pools that become isolated during the dry season. These fish interact solely with other individuals in their pool for periods of several months at a time and thus have ample opportunity to become accustomed to one another. Our study also reveals that the tendency of female guppies to school with familiar fish declines as the group size in which they naturally live increases. Preferences are strong when there are small numbers of females in a pool, but diminish thereafter. This indicates that the expression of familiarity is constrained by group size. The basis of recognition and the consequences of schooling preferences for familiar individuals are discussed.

Evolution of the Cyprinella lutrensis Species-Complex. II. Systematics and Biogeography of the Edwards Plateau Shiner, Cyprinella lepida

We examined geographic samples of the Edward's Plateau shiner, Cyprinella lepida, for restriction site variation of mitochondrial (mt)DNA. Sixteen restriction endonucleases were used to assay mtDNAs from 32 individuals of C. lepida sampled from the three rivers (Nueces, Frio, and Sabinal) of the Nueces River basin. Maximum-parsimony analysis using Cyprinella lutrensis as the outgroup and Cyprinella venusta as the root revealed that C. lepida in the Frio and Sabinal rivers is distinct from C. lepida in the Nueces River. A tree generated from a matrix of genetic distance using the Fitch-Margoliash method also revealed the same two distinct lineages of Cyprinella within the Nueces River basin. Percentage nucleotide sequence divergence estimates (? SE) between pairwise comparisons of the two evolutionary lineages of Cyprinella in the Nueces River basin and C. lutrensis were as follows: 8.36 ? 0.01 (Cyprinella in the Frio and Sabinal rivers vs C. lutrensis), 9.04 ? 0.03 (Cyprinella in the Frio and Sabinal rivers vs Cyprinella in the Nueces River), and 9.52 ? 0.03 (Cyprinella in the Nueces River vs C. lutrensis). Assuming mtDNA mutation-rate equivalency within Cyprinella, the two lineages (species) of Cyprinella in the Nueces River basin could have evolved nearly instantaneously in geological time. The estimates of mtDNA nucleotide sequence divergence, in concert with geographic considerations and the assumption that the genus Cyprinella originated north of the Coastal Plain, are consistent with the hypothesis that the ancestor(s) to the lineages of Cyprinella in the Nueces River basin entered the western (Gulf) Coastal Plain preglacially and from the northwest.

Observations on a foraging association between two freshwater stream fishes

AbstractOn 3 occasions during summer 1977, small groups of a typically run‐ and pool‐dwelling minnow (blacktail shiner, Cyprinella venusta) were observed feeding in a shallow riffle on items dislodged by foraging northern hog suckers (Hypentelium nigricans). Although such nuclear‐attendant following behavior has been documented in marine systems and has been reported from some African freshwater lakes, descriptions from freshwater streams are rare. We describe the interaction and consider the probable development of the search behaviour of the blacktail shiners. We also explore the possible benefits of searching for hog suckers in small groups, as observed, rather than as individuals or in large groups. This feeding strategy may be an important mechanism of food acquisition for some individuals when usual resources are scarce.

Population variation in spawning current speed selection in the blacktail shiner,Cyprinella venusta (Pisces: Cyprinidae)

Many stream fishes lay demersal eggs. Some species simply scatter the eggs across the substrate, but many place the eggs in protected sites such as crevices (e.g., Cyprinidae:Cyprinella). Eggs laid in crevices may experience increased development times or lower embryo survival due to reduced water exchange rates compared to more open egg deposition sites. If so, the presence of an appreciable current near the crevice may be important for insuring water exchange. However, currents that are too strong may prevent complete insemination or prevent the eggs from adhering to the substratum before they are washed from the crevice. Thus, current speed preferences for spawning may be under strong stabilizing selection. Representatives of four populations of a crevice spawning stream fish (blacktail shiner,Cyprinella venusta), representing environments ranging from a swift stream to a lake, were studied in stream tanks to evaluate female spawning current use. The observed frequency of use of spawning currents was significantly different from random in all populations. Low current speeds were generally avoided, and a speed of ca. 30 cm sec−1 was used most often. However, significant differences were observed among populations, and the variation correlated well with the apparent range of current speeds found in the four environments. Although other possible explanations cannot be dismissed, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that the populations have become adapted to their local current regimes.

Stochasticity and Assemblage Organization in an Indiana Stream Fish Assemblage

Site d'etude: zone situee sous le barrage de Markles; problemes d'echantillonnage; nombre d'especes incluses dans l'analyse. Inclusion des jeunes d'un an dans cette analyse; interpretation et nouvelle analyse des modeles alternatifs

Presence and biomagnification of organochlorine chemical residues in oxbow lakes of Northeastern Louisiana

Ninety-eight samples of 16 species of animals were collected at Lake Providence, 88 samples of 15 species at Lake Bruin, and 21 samples of 5 species at Lake St. John, Louisiana, between 15 July and 25 September 1980. Residues of 13 organochlorine compounds were identified in these samples. Substantial concentrations of many of these compounds throughout the food webs of all three lakes showed that the lakes act as sumps, accumulating residues from nearby agricultural land. DDT and its metabolites (DDE, TDE, and DDMU), toxaphene, and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were the principal Organochlorine residues detected. With few exceptions, biomagnification of the principal residues was clearly illustrated. Tertiary consumers such as green-backed heron (Butorides striatus), snakes, spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) contained the highest residues. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochims), blacktail shiner (Notopis venustus), yellow-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax violaceus), and other secondary consumers contained lower levels of residues. Primary consumers, crayfish (Orconectes lancifer) and threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense), contained relatively low residue levels of most of the compounds. Frogs contained lower residue levels than expected based on their position in the food web. It is suggested that residue levels in immature green-backed herons and one or more of the longer-lived predators such as snakes, gars, or largemouth bass could be monitored to evaluate levels of Organochlorine chemical contaminants in aquatic habitats.

Similarity in Selected Temperatures of Two Allopatric Populations of Blacktail Shiner, Notropis venustus (Cyprinidae)

Similarity in Selected Temperatures of Two Allopatric Populations of Blacktail Shiner, Notropis venustus (Cyprinidae)

Feeding Chronology and Food Habits of the Blacktail Shiner, Notropis venustus (Cyprinidae), in Bayou Sara, Louisiana

Feeding Chronology and Food Habits of the Blacktail Shiner, Notropis venustus (Cyprinidae), in Bayou Sara, Louisiana

Susceptibility to Predation of Blacktail Shiners Stained with Bismarck Brown Y

Abstract The use of Bismarck Brown Y as a tool in mark-and-recapture studies was tested under laboratory conditions. Dyed blacktail shiners, Notropis venustus, were consumed at a greater rate than control fish by largemouth bass and bluegill. When both dyed and control prey were anesthetized no preference was exhibited by largemouth bass. Selection of dyed fish by largemouth bass continued under different lighting conditions. Behavioral response rather than color is considered to be the primary factor effecting differences in selection. At least 6 h were required for the dyed fish to recover from the observable effects of the dyeing process. The use of the stain Bismarck Brown Y may introduce bias in population studies.