Goldeye Research Articles

Assessment of Larval Fish Consumption by Goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) in Two Missouri River Backwaters

The presence of large numbers of adult goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) in backwater habitats of the upper Missouri River, combined with the presence of many other native fishes and their larvae, has raised questions about the predatory effect that goldeye may have on the larval fish community. Goldeye and larval fishes were sampled in backwater habitats during April, May, July, August, and September of 1997. Peak relative abundance of adult goldeye coincided with peak relative abundance of larval fishes in July. We examined the stomach contents from 161 goldeye collected in July and August to determine what proportion of the goldeye diet was composed of larval fishes. Only four stomachs contained larval fish (2.5% frequency of occurrence), and larval fishes composed less than 0.1% of the total number of food items. Corixidae, Coleoptera, and zooplankton (Copepoda and Cladocera) were the primary diet items.

Relationship between Year-Class Strength for Goldeyes and Selected Environmental Variables during the First Year of Life

Abstract I investigated the relationships between year-class strength and selected environmental variables for the migratory population of goldeye Hiodon alosoides of the Peace–Athabasca delta, Alberta, Canada. Year-class strength was highly variable from year to year. Goldeyes from the 1971 year-class dominated the catch (up to 87%) in the 1970s, and other dominant year-classes (>25% of the catch) developed in 1982 and 1989. The 1985 year-class failed completely. On average, dominant or abundant year-classes (>5% of the catch) occurred about three times per decade. Year-class strength was related to the number of warm days (mean daily temperature >15°C) from May 1 to July 31, the period that covers the time from the spawning migration to the development of a 57-mm, 1.9-g juvenile goldeye (r = 0.57, P < 0.01). The semibuoyant eggs and larvae of goldeyes were present in the delta primarily from May 22 to June 20. A linear relationship was not evident between year-class strength and wind intensity during th...

A revision of the species of Bothriocephalus Rudolphi, 1808 (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) parasitic in American freshwater fishes

The species of the pseudophyllidean genus Bothriocephalus Rudolphi, 1808 parasitising freshwater fishes in America are revised, based on the examination of type and voucher specimens of seven taxa. There are five valid species: Bothriocephalus claviceps (Goeze, 1782), B. cuspidatus Cooper, 1917, B. formosus Mueller & Van Cleave, 1932, B. acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934, and B. pearsei Scholz, Vargas-Vazquez & Moravec, 1996. B. texomensis Self, 1954 from Hiodon alosoides in the USA, and B. musculosus Baer, 1937 from a cichlid Cichlasoma biocellatum (= C. octofasciatum) which died in an aquarium in Switzerland, are synonymised with B. cuspidatus. B. schilbeodis Cheng & James, 1960 from Schilbeodes insignis in the USA, B. speciosus (Leidy, 1858) Leidy, 1872 from Boleostoma olmstedi in the USA, and B. cestus Leidy, 1885 from Salvelinus sp. in Canada are considered to be species inquirendae until new material for the evaluation of their taxonomic status is available. B. cordiceps (Leidy, 1872) from Salmo (= Salvelinus) fontinalis in North America is in fact a larva (plerocercoid) of a Diphyllobothrium species. The study showed that there have been many misidentifications, mostly of B. cuspidatus erroneously designated as B. formosus or B. claviceps. The five valid species are redescribed and illustrated, with emphasis on scolex morphology. The distribution of individual taxa and the spectrum of their definitive hosts are briefly reviewed and a key facilitating identification of individual species is also provided.

Abundance and Assemblage Structure of Fish Larvae in the Lower Missouri River and Its Tributaries

Most of the backwater habitat in the floodplain of the lower Missouri River has been eliminated, but the lower reaches of tributaries have flow and depth characteristics similar to backwaters. We sampled the assemblages of fish larvae and age-0 juveniles in the lower 8 km of four tributaries and in the Missouri River main channel to determine the extent to which riverine species use these backwaters for early life history stages. We also sought to determine which tributary characteristics were associated with use by riverine species. Densities of 8 of the 10 fish taxa analyzed were greater in tributaries than in the Missouri River in 1987 and 1988. The composition of the larval fish fauna varied: carpsuckers Carpiodes spp., goldeye Hiodon alosoides, freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens, and common carp Cyprinus carpio occurred in large rivers; whereas mostly gizzard shad Dorsosoma cepedianum, nearctic cyprinids (mostly emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides and red shiner Cyprinella lutrensis), and sunfishes Lepomis spp. occurred in small tributaries. Assemblages in large tributaries included large-river and small-tributary taxa. The gradient in assemblage composition, from small-tributary fauna to large-river fauna, corresponded to a gradient in channel morphometry, from shallow waters and coarse substrate to greater channel depths and fine sediments. The complex pattern of flow between the Missouri River and its tributaries and the diversity of tributary morphometry were associated with, and may be critical to, productivity and the maintenance of a diverse fish fauna.

Evaluation of the Scale and Operculum Methods to Determine Age of Adult Goldeyes with Special Reference to a Dominant Year-Class

Abstract Ages of adult goldeyes Hiodon alosoides collected in 1987 from the Peace–Athabasca delta, northeastern Alberta, were determined from scales and opercula. Mean ages estimated from scales (N = 114) and opercula (N = 117) were 8.5 and 14.8 years, respectively, and the maximum age discrepancy for a single fish was 10 years. The 1971 year-class, dominant and abundant during the 1970s, was used to assess general accuracy of the two age determination methods. The 1971 year-class represented 25% of the 1987 catch of adult goldeyes by the operculum method, but was not recorded by the scale method. This suggests that opercula provided accurate (correct) estimates of age for many of the adult goldeyes.

Changes in the Body Composition with Age of Goldeye, Hiodon alosoides

Male goldeye, Hiodon alosoides, grew faster, matured earlier, and had a shorter lifespan than females as did exploited compared with unexploited populations. Instantaneous growth rates of the body organs and tissues were usually higher in the male than in the female. The proportion of fat to the total constituents in the muscle, liver, gut, and carcase of female and the gut and carcase of male goldeye declined with age while that in the ovary increased. The proportion of protein in the body tissues and organs of both sexes remained approximately constant with age. Ash content increased in the carcase of older females and males. Glycogen concentration in the liver varied extensively and was considered as indicator of stress and unrelated to aging processes. Between the ages of 10 and 16 yr the energy content of the female soma increased by 44% whereas the energy content of the ovary increased by 121%. The ovary selected essential fatty acids at the expense of the soma.

Reproductive development and plasma levels of reproductive hormones of goldeye, Hiodon alosoides (Rafinesque), taken from the North Saskatchewan River during the open-water season

Changes in gonadal condition and plasma levels of gonadotropin and sex steroids were measured in goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) captured from the North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton, Alberta, from May to October in both 1983 and 1984. Mature females and spermiated males were captured in May and June and spent fish were captured in June. Gonadal recrudescence occurred over the summer and by October, relative gonad weights had reached 70% (females) and 90% (males) of the prespawning maxima. In females, plasma calcium was significantly elevated in spent fish in June, and in August there was a decrease in liver weight. Plasma levels of gonadotropin were highest in females during June, and in males during May. 17α,20β-Dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one was elevated in preovulatory or spent females and prespawning males, then decreased throughout the summer, whereas testosterone was only detectable in the plasma of prespawning fish. Estradiol-17β and estrone were not detectable in the plasma of females at any stage, including the period of vitellogenesis.

Effects of (D-Ala6, Pro9N ethylamide) — LHRH on plasma levels of gonadotropin, 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and testosterone in male goldeye (hiodon alosoides Rafineque)

Male goldeye were treated with (D-Ala(6), Pro(9)-N ethylamide) - LHRH (LHRH-A) in saline or a silastic pellet (100 µg.kg(-1) body weight) and changes in plasma gonadotropin (GtH), 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17α,20βP) and testosterone (T) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. LHRH-A increased plasma GtH levels, with the response to LHRH-A in saline being of much greater magnitude and duration than the response to silastic pellet implants. Seasonal differences were found in the response to LHRH-A. Spermiated fish were the most responsive, recrudescing fish the least, and regressed fish displayed an intermediate response. Plasma 17α,20βP levels were elevated in response to LHRHA in fish of all sexual stages although the magnitude of the increase was not related to the magnitude of the increase in GtH levels. Treatment with LHRH-A also resulted in a transitory increase in plasma T levels. The endocrine control of GtH and steroid secretion in goldeye is discussed in relation to studies in cyprinids and salmonids.

Suitability of Vertical Slot and Denil Fishways for Passing North-Temperate, Nonsalmonid Fish

A vertical slot fishway and two Denil fishways (of 10 and 20% slope) built into a weir on the Lesser Slave River (55°18′N, 115°45′W) were studied from May 12 to June 25, 1984, to determine how effectively these designs pass north-temperate, nonsalmonid fishes. Thousands of spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius), substantial numbers (&gt; 100) of northern pike (Esox lucius), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), immature yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and lesser numbers of burbot (Lota lota), adult yellow perch, lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), and trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus) ascended the fishways. Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and goldeye (Hiodon alosoides), although probably moving extensively through the river, did not use the fishways. Although high water levels allowed most fish to surmount the weir, of those that chose the fishway, pike strongly preferred to ascend the Denil fishways and the two sucker species preferred to ascend the vertical slot. Therefore, a combination of several different fishways may be required for the most efficient passage of a wide variety of species. Plasma glucose and lactate measurements on pike revealed that ascending the Denil fishways was only moderately stressful for these fish.

Photoreceptor fine structure in the goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) (teleost).

The retinal photoreceptors of the goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) are arranged in large bundles of 40-50 cells optically isolated from other bundles by the retinal epithelial cells. Within each bundle are found both rods and cones in roughly equal numbers. Rod photoreceptors show marked retinomotor responses to project beyond the photoreceptor bundle in light-adaptation and to lie entirely within the bundle in dark-adaptation. In all stages of the light cycle cone outer segments remain at the apex of the photoreceptor bundle. In light-adaptation, rod inner segments display an apical ellipsoid separated from a basal ellipsoid by the greatly elongated myoid. In dark-adaptation the rod inner segment is much the same diameter throughout its length. In both rods and cones, profiles of rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi zones are present in a supranuclear location. The nuclei of rods display little heterochromatin and are located vitreal to the external limiting membrane in light-adaptation, whereas in dark-adaptation more heterochromatin is noted and the nuclei lie scleral to the external limiting membrane. Cone nuclei display the same changes in chromatin pattern as rods but they show changes in nuclear location opposite that of the rods. Throughout its length, the rod photoreceptor cytoplasm is more electron dense than that of the cone. The synaptic spherule of rods displays 2-3 invaginated synaptic sites while the cone pedicle is larger and presents 8-10 invaginated synaptic sites. Both rods and cones also appear to have superficial synaptic sites. Membrane specializations are found along the length of the inner segments where rods and cones are contiguous. These may act as sites of intercellular communication and the whole photoreceptor bundle may therefore be considered as a macroreceptor.

Fine structure of the retinal epithelium and retinal tapetum lucidum of the goldeye Hiodon alosoides.

The fine structure of the retinal epithelium of the goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) has been investigated with electron microscopy in both the light- and dark-adapted condition. The retinal epithelial cells are extremely tall columnar cells. They form a single layer abutting on Bruch's membrane basally (sclerally) and interdigitating with bundles of photoreceptor cells apically (vitreally). The retinal epithelial cells and the photoreceptor bundles are arranged in a hexagonal fashion so that each epithelial cell normally contacts three photoreceptor bundles and three other epithelial cells. In the light-adapted state, melanosomes are sparsely but evenly distributed throughout the cell body except for the apices, which contain more melanosomes. In dark-adaptation, melanosomes become very concentrated in the cell apex between photoreceptor bundles, with some accumulation of melanosomes also noted basally. The predominant feature of these epithelial cells is the presence of numerous reflective bodies which act as a retinal tapetum lucidum. During light-adaptation these reflective bodies are scattered throughout the cell but in dark-adaptation they accumulate centrally. In the body of the epithelial cell these reflective particles are diffusely arranged, whereas they are regularly arranged where epithelial cells ensheath photoreceptor bundles. Circadian changes are also noted in the morphology of the myeloid bodies and mitochondria and in the location of the epithelial cell nucleus. Wandering phagocytes are present at the retinal epithelial-photoreceptor interface. Bruch's membrane is thick and trilaminate and the choriocapillaris endothelium is thin and sparsely fenestrated.

On Estimating the Abundance of Fish in the Upper Channelized Missouri River

Abstract Population estimates of fish in large rivers are scarce, but such information would be extremely useful to evaluate the impact of man's activities on sport and commercial fish in the Missouri River. Winter sampling offered the best opportunity to use multiple-census techniques to estimate populations because of reduced movement of fish and reduced stream flow, thereby concentrating fish in wintering holes. Reliable population estimates were obtained by electrofishing during the winters of 1979-1980 and 1980-1981 in two 16-km study areas of the channelized portion of the river. Estimates and their 95% confidence limits were obtained for common carp (Cyprinus carpio); river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio); freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens ); goldeye (Hiodon alosoides ); buffalo spp. (Ictiobus spp.); northern pike (Esox lucius); and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Aside from channel catfish, the total population was estimated to be 2,794 fish per kilometer; the estimated number of channel...

Description and Identification of Mooneye, Hiodon tergisus, Protolarvae

Abstract Mooneyes hatch at about 7 mm total length as protolarvae with neither the stomodeum nor pectoral fin buds evident. They transform to the mesolarval phase between 12 and 13 mm while still retaining a considerable amount of yolk and most of their large anterior oil globule. The protolarvae possess about 54 myomeres, 30 anterior to the posterior margin of the vent. Snout to vent length is about 64% and snout to dorsal finfold origin length over 50% of the total length. Melanophore distribution remains essentially the same through most of the phase with melanophores scattered over the large yolk sac and in a continuous line along the dorsal surface of the intestine, midventrally posterior to the vent, around the end of the notochord, and middorsally towards the future insertion of the dorsal fin. In contrast to mooneye, goldeye, Hiodon alosoides, protolarvae have approximately four to eight additional postanal myomeres and lack melanophores on all surfaces posterior to the vent except occasionally al...

Food, feeding habits, and growth of goldeye, Hiodon alosoides (Rafinesque), in waters of the Peace–Athabasca Delta

The feeding habits of goldeye were determined by examining the food items found in 1785 stomachs collected from the Peace–Athabasca Delta, Alberta, in 1971, 1972, and 1973. Larval goldeye fed primarily on Calanoida and Cladocera. Post-larval goldeye fed mainly on Cladocera, Corixidae, and aerial insects but few Calanoida. These young fish selected the larger Cladocera and Calanoida from the plankton community. Growth was continuous from June to early September. Yearling and older goldeye had similar feeding habits with Corixidae being the most frequent food item present. They also fed on other aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and small vertebrates. The food consumed on a given day reflected local as well as seasonal and yearly differences in abundance of the various organisms. Stomachs of these goldeye contained the least amounts of food during July and August. Yearling and fish at least up to age III showed appreciable growth only during June and July.

Agonistic Behavior of Captive Goldeye (Hiodon alosoides)

Captive goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) (ages 0, I, V–VIII) in clearwater tanks demonstrated a well-developed agonistic repertoire which included charging, chasing, nipping, and lateral displays. We postulate that this agonistic behavior serves as a spacing mechanism in goldeye ecology, allowing fish to defend an individual distance or territory. Age 0 and age I fish showed higher frequencies of direct attack than adults (&gt; age V) which used displays more frequently. In paired encounters, females, smaller fish, and introduced fish won more fights than males, larger fish, or resident fish, a situation which differs from the usually accepted relationships between fighting success and size, sex, or residency. Ripe adults were less aggressive than nonripe adults.

LITERATURE ABSTRACTS

1. General Principles: ‘Mechanical Properties of Fruits and Vegetables; Review of a Decade of Research, Applications and Future Needs’, by N. Mohsenin1. General Principles: ‘A Review of Physical Properties Research: Mechanical ‐ Grain, Meat and Processed Foods’, by C. T. Morrow1. General Principles: ‘Nonlinear Regression Applied to Non‐Newtonian Flow’, by P. J. Niebergall, R. L. Schnaare, and E. T. Sugita2. Instrumentation and Methodology: ‘Das Penetrometer als Instrument für die rheologische Analyse gelierter Systeme’, by J. Wozniak, H. Beltman and W. Pilnik2. Instrumentation and Methodology: ‘Mechanics of Deformation of a Fruit Subjected to Hydrostatic Pressure’, by M. G. Sharma and N. N. Mohsenin2. Instrumentation and Methodology: ‘A Theoretical Analysis of the Resonance of Intact Apples’, by J. Cooke2. Instrumentation and Methodology: ‘Messung der Frischhaltung von Brot’, by W. Morandini and L. Wassermann2. Instrumentation and Methodology: ‘Messung der Krumenfestigkeit von Sandkuchen und Hefefeingebäck’, by W. Morandini, H. Egle and L. Wasserman2. Instrumentation and Methodology: ‘Application of Muller’s Method to Extensigraph Measurements with Various Hook Speeds’ by J. Prihoda and W. Bushuk2. Instrumentation and Methodology: An Electronic Recording Instrument for Measurement of Torque During Whipping of Cream and Toppings’, by M. Tanaka and J. M. de Man2. Instrumentation and Methodology: ‘Updating the Shear Press’, by P. W. Voisey2. Instrumentation and Methodology: ‘Note on an Improved Apparatus for Testing Spaghetti Tenderness’, by R. R. Matsuo and G. N. Irvine3. Objective Measurements: A. FOODS ‘Texture Profile Analysis of Cucumbers’, by W. M. Breene, D. W. Davis and Hung‐En Chou3. Objective Measurements: A. FOODS ‘Note on the Effect of Vital Gluten on Some Rheological Properties of Dough’, by J. Prihoda and W. Bushuk3. Objective Measurements: A. FOODS ‘Internal Pressure in Yeasted Dough’, by H. Matsumoto and Junko Nishiyama3. Objective Measurements: A. FOODS ‘Rheologie der Brotkrume’, by L. Wassermann3. Objective Measurements: A. FOODS ‘Milling Properties of Sorghum Grain with Different Proportions of Corneous to Floury Endosperm’, by E. D. Maxson, W. B. Fryar, L. W. Rooney, and M. N. Krishnaprasad3. Objective Measurements: A. FOODS ‘A Rapid Procedure for Measuring Starch Paste Development and its Application to Corn and Sorghum Starches’, by J. E. Freeman and W. J. Verr3. Objective Measurements: A. FOODS Assessment of Beef Tenderness with the Armour Tenderometer’, by Z. L. Carpenter, G. C. Smith and O. D. Butler4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD ‘Hot Boning and Pork Tenderness’, by B. B. Marsh, R. G. Cassens, R. G. Kauffman and E. J. Briskey4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD ‘Consistency of Tomato Products 7. Effects of Acidification on Cell Walls and Cell Breakage’, by R. Becker, J. C. Miers, M. D. Nutting, W. C. Dietrich and J. R. Wagner4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD ‘A Physical Method to Increase Tenderness in Lamb Carcasses’, by E. Quarrier, Z. L. Carpenter and G. C. Smith4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD Physical Properties and Sulfhydryl Content of Bovine Muscles’, by G. Dube, V. D. Bramblett, M. D. Judge and R. B. Harrington4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD ‘Effect of Carcass Suspension on Sarcomere Length and Shear Force of Some Major Bovine Muscles’, by R. L. Hostetler, B. A. Link, W. A. Landmann and H. A. Fitzhugh, Jr.4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD ‘Potato Starch Properties by Controlled Heating in Aqueous Suspension’, by Erling T. Hjermstad4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD ‘Processing Effects on the Texture of Goldeye (Hiodon alosoides)’, by A. W. Lantz, D. G. Iredale, M. Vaisey* and R. York*4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD ‘Firming of Potatoes: Biochemical Effects of Preheating’, by Linda G. Bartoloma and J. E. Hoff4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD ‘Cysteine’s Effect on Mixing Time, Water Absorption, Oxidation Requirement, and Loaf Volume of Red River 68’, by K. F. Finney, C. C. Tsen and M. D. Shogren4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD ‘Physical Changes in the Kernel During Reconstitution of Sorghum Grain’, by R. D. Sullings and L. W. Rooney4. Factors Affecting Texture: A. FOOD ‘The Influence of Protein Composition on Spaghetti Quality’, by D. E. Walsh and K. A. Gilles5. Sensory Measurements: ‘Uber das Altbackenwerden von Brot. I. Beziehungen zwischen Sensorik, Penetrometer und Panimeter beim Messen des Altbackenwerdens von Weizenbrot’, by M. Maleki and W. Seibel

Processing Effects on the Texture of Goldeye: (Hiodon alosoides)

Despite years of smoke-treating goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) processors still depend upon the skill and experience of the smoke-house operators for desirable products. Experimental processing at the Freshwater Institute shows that more acceptable smoked goldeye results from using fish that have been frozen and thawed prior to brining and from smoking at 32°C rather than 65°C. Ten selected judges were instructed in scoring fish for acceptability, consistency, firmness and moistness. Sensory evaluation with 9-point quality scales showed that the texture of cooked hot-smoked fish was soft and mealy in contrast to the firmer, flakier cold-smoked product. Hot-smoked fish were also drier in the mouth. Freezing before processing enhanced firmness, flakiness, moistness and acceptability. Acidification of brine made goldeye moister and softer but had no effect on accectability. The effects of pre-freezing were not great enough to overcome the textural disadvantages caused by hot-smoking.

Techniques in Smoking Goldeye (Hiodon alosoides)

Goldeye, Hiodon alosoides, have been smoke treated in the central part of North America for 50 years or more. Commercial smoking of goldeye has been localized in the Winnipeg area. Despite the popularity of “Winnipeg Goldeye”, uniformity of quality and production techniques have shown wide variability.Pilot plant studies have shown that smoking below 120° F resulted in premium quality whereas higher smoke temperatures tended to produce mealiness in the product. A standard processing technique is given and baking in aluminum foil was the preferred method of cooking.

Utilization of Mayflies and Caddis Flies by Some Mississippi River Fishes

Abstract At sampling stations in the Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa, during 1958 mayfly naiads, Hexagenia spp., comprised over 50 percent by volume of the food of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), mooneyes (Hiodon tergisus), goldeyes (Hiodon alosoides), and white bass (Roccus chrysops), and over 40 percent of the food of paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) and white crappies (Pomoxis annularis). These naiads were also eaten by shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus). Larval caddis flies, Potamyia flava, comprised over 60 percent of the food of the shovelnose sturgeon and between 10 and 20 percent of the food of mooneyes, goldeyes, and white crappies. The Hexagenia naiads found in the stomachs are the same kinds that ordinarily create a problem in the river communities but the nuisance species of caddis flies (Cheumatopsyche campyla and Hydropsyche orris) are not usually significant in the diets of the fish studied.