Shorthead Redhorse Research Articles

Differential Use of Stream Habitat by Spawning Catostomids

Spawning patterns of suckers (Catostomidae) in Deer Creek, Indiana, revealed differential use by species and age-size groups. In spring, white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) dominated headwaters, while redhorse (Moxostoma spp.) were more abundant downstream. Shorthead redhorse (M. macrolepidotum) were present only in main stem Deer Creek during spawning. Spawning groups of golden redhorse (M. erythrurum) and black redhorse (M. duquesnei) near the mouth of Deer Creek were significantly older and larger than those upstream in a first-order tributary. Spawning was not observed until water temperatures stayed above or near 10 C and until water levels were 20-60 cm deep over spawning shoals. Golden redhorse, shorthead redhorse and northern hog sucker (Hypentelium nigricans) spawned over medium gravel in riffles 30-60 cm deep with velocities of 0.4-0.9 m/sec. White sucker spawned over medium gravel at depths of 20-25 cm where velocity ranged from 0.50-0.59 m/sec. Creek chubsucker (Erimyzon oblongus) selected fine gravel in areas 50-75 cm deep having much slower velocity (0.10-0.24 m/sec). INTRODUCTION River tributaries serve as spawning and nursery areas for suckers (Catostomidae), but the effect of tributary spawning on maintaining river populations downstream is just beginning to be investigated. Previous reports (Thompson and Hunt, 1930; Trautman, 1957; Bowman, 1970; Larimore and Smith, 1963; Karr, 1975; Burr and Morris, 1977; Smith, 1977; Lake and Morrison, 1977) indicate that catostomids inhabiting rivers ascend smaller streams for spring spawning. The extent of upstream movements by adults and the degree to which resident and migrant suckers compete for stream spawning sites are unclear. Lack of specific information on the seasonal use of river tributaries hampers management efforts and an understanding of the potential impact of stream alteration on catostomid populations. Studies on catostomid spawning have shown some interspecific differences in the use of river tributaries. Black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) and golden redhorse (M. erythrurum) in the streams and smaller rivers of Missouri and Ohio apparently move short distances for spawning (Bowman, 1970; Smith, 1977). Meyer (1962) found no evidence for the movement of golden redhorse, shorthead redhorse (M. macrolepidotum) or silver redhorse (M. anisurum) adults into a tributary of the Des Moines River, Iowa, during the spawning season. However, the abundance of adult silver redhorse and quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus) in a tributary of the Hocking River, Ohio, increased during spring, suggesting upstream movement into the tributary for spawning (Smith, 1977). Some specific measurements of spawning site characteristics for catostomids have been reported in recent literature. Black redhorse in Missouri spawn on riffles of rubble and gravel in 15-60 cm of water (Bowman, 1970). Spotted suckers spawn over course rubble in riffles 0.3-0.5 m deep with flow rates of 1.4 m3/sec and surface velocities of 1 Journal Paper no. 9585, Purdue Agricultural Experiment Station. 2 Present address: 120 Riverglade, Amherst, MA 01002.

Fish Catches in Baited and Unbaited Hoop Nets in the Upper Mississippi River

Abstract Catch rates for all species combined were higher in hoop nets baited with soybean cake than in unbaited hoop nets. However, baited and unbaited nets differed in the fish species for which they were most selective. Significantly more common carp (Cyprinus carpio), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), smallmouth buffaloes (Ictiobus bubalus), and bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) were caught in hoop nets baited with soybean cake than in unbaited nets, but unbaited nets caught more flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), shorthead redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum), black crappies (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), and freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens). Abundance of these species may influence the choice of baited or unbaited hoop nets and mesh size. All of our nets were set parallel with the current with the mouth facing downstream.

Descriptions and Comparisons of Catostomid Fish Larvae: Northern Atlantic Drainage Species

Eggs, larvae, and early juveniles of Catostomus commersoni, Hypentelium nigricans, Moxostoma macrolepidotum, Carpiodes cyprinus, and Erimyzon oblongus are described. Taxonomic keys are provided. Comparisons of developmental traits reveal two groups of larvae based on size at a given developmental stage. The larger species, the first three above, are very similar to one another. The other two are not difficult to distinguish. The large size of the posterior gas bladder chamber in C. commersoni is unique. Hypentelium nigricans has distinctive pigmentation in the dorsal and caudal fins. Moxostoma macrolepidotum is typically deeper bodied than the others. Catostomus commersoni is the most filiform of the large species. Erimyzon oblongus has a median pigment-free space on the dorsum which is not present in the other species. Combinations of morphometric parameters are used as key characteristics. Construction of these characters takes into account the high degree of allometric growth observed in these larvae. Discriminant function analysis is employed to assist in differentiation of these larvae. The resulting procedure yields satisfactory results but the process is tedious and is not practical for large samples. Laboratory growth illustrates the greater variability in size at a given age over wild specimens. The value of various types of taxonomic characters used in larval fish studies is discussed. Possible evolutionary relationships suggested by larval characteristics differ somewhat from the phyletic structure devised from adult catostomid morphology.

Descriptions and Comparisons of Catostomid Fish Larvae:Catostomus catostomusandMoxostoma erythrurum

Abstract Larval phases of the longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus) and golden redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum) are described and compared with their congeners, the white sucker (C. commersoni) and shorthead redhorse (M. macrolepidotum). Catostomus catostomus has a greater head length and eye diameter than C. commersoni through all developmental phases. Catostomus catostomus also has a smaller posterior gas bladder chamber, relative to the anterior chamber, than C. commersoni. Moxostoma erythrurum averages fewer total myomeres (41 versus 44) than its congener and has greater preanal lengths, head lengths, and eye diameters. Larvae of C. catostomus and M. erythrurum are compared with characters presented in existing keys to larval catostomids to help determine if those characters are satisfactory for separation of sucker genera. Five different body measurements are allometrically related to total length in both species.

Larval Development of the Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum) from the Susquehanna River

Abstract Shorthead redhorse eggs hatched 8 days after fertilization at a mean temperature of 15.6 C. The total length (TL) of newly hatched larvae averaged 10.0 mm (range, 9.3–10.4 mm); their standard (notochord) length averaged 9.4 mm (range, 8.7–9.9 mm). They were melanophore-free, had slightly upturned urostyles, and incomplete mouths. Melanophores appeared for the first time in larvae of 10.2 mm TL. Fin rays were visible in caudal, dorsal, pectoral, anal, and pelvic fins by 12.9, 15.8, 16.0, 16.7, and 18.8 mm TL, respectively. Transformation of shorthead redhorse to the mesolarval phase occurred by 12.4 mm TL and to metalarval phase by 16.2 mm TL. Protolarvae of the shorthead redhorse can be distinguished from those of northern hog sucker (Hypentelium nigricans) from the Susquehanna River by their smaller standard (notochord) length and larger postanal length as percentages of TL, and their fewer preanal myomeres. Shorthead redhorse mesolarvae lack the melanophore-free area between the eyes found in n...

Larval Fish Drift in a Large River with a Comparison of Sampling Methods

Larval fish drift in the rocky-bottomed Susquehanna River (northeastern Pennsylvania) was investigated during 1974-1975. Near SSES (Susquehanna Steam Electric Station) at least 18 species of drifting larvae were collected by nets mounted on a stationary boat or by pumping. Maximum densities of 15.4 and 27.1 larvae/10 m3 were found in June 1974 and 1975, respectively. Quillback, Carpiodes cyprinus (56%), minnows (25%), and carp, Cyprinus carpio (14% of the total) were the most abundant larvae caught in 1974 by pumping. The few larvae that drifted during the day were mostly near the bottom. Large numbers of quillback, white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), shorthead redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum), and tessellated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi) larvae drifted near the river surface at night. Drift was maximum at about 2400 h. Overall, the day/night drift ratio was 1/3.8. In 1974 at Falls, the control station upstream of SSES and several intervening coal mine effluents, maximum density of drifting larvae was 1.4 fish/10 m3, less than 10% of that at SSES. Density of spawning-sized fish was about threefold higher at Falls than at SSES. Boat-mounted nets and the pump sampler had equal sampling efficiencies. Condition of larvae in pump samples was related to net material, mesh size, net shape, and pumping duration. Larvae in best condition were in 5-min samples pumped into slender nets (mouth/length ratio 1/10) made of fine-meshed monofilament nylon.

Biology of Philometroides huronensis (Nematoda: Dracunculoidea) in the white sucker (Catostomus commersoni)

White suckers (Catostomus commersoni (Lacépède)) collected from various locations in southern Ontario were examined for Philometroides huronensis Uhazy, 1976. Stages of the parasite were recovered from the peritoneum around the swim bladder, bases of the fins, and the fins. Prevalence of infections was high and intensities relatively low. The parasite was less prevalent in longnose (Catostomus catostomus (Forster)) and redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum (LeSucur)) suckers collected from the same area.Males, female fourth-stage larvae, uninseminated. inseminated, subgravid, and gravid females were recovered from fish collected from southern Lake Huron. Prevalence was 83 to 100% throughout the year and showed no significant seasonal trend. Numbers of worms recovered ranged from 1 to 32 per fish; 77% were infected with from 1 to 7 worms. Intensities of infections varied significantly with season, being highest during fall, winter, and early spring. All age groups of white suckers were infected; however, intensity did not vary significantly with host age. Although P. huronensis was highly prevalent throughout the year and from one year to the next, the life cycle was completed in a single year.The evolution of three valid species in the Philometrinae from the white sucker in North America is proposed, based on the evidence that before Pleistocene glaciation there were three separate forms of white sucker.

Influence of Lipid Pool Size on Bioaccumulation of the Insecticide Chlordane by Northern Redhorse Suckers (Moxostoma macrolepidotum)

An effect of the lipid pool size on the accumulation and clearance of cis- and trans-chlordane by northern redhorse suckers (Moxostoma macrolepidotum) has been demonstrated. A technique was developed using 203Hg-labeled methylmercury as a tracer, which permits the direct determination of the assimilation efficiency from food and the biological half-life of chlorinated hydrocarbons in terms of individual fish. Tissue retention of the insecticide chlordane in fish was directly proportional to the adiposity of the fish. For a fish containing 2% lipid, the half-life of the cis-isomer was 60 days and for the trans-isomer, 33 days. The net assimilation efficiency from food to fish tissue was also influenced by adiposity. These results on uptake and clearance, when used in a simple model for pollutant bioaccumulation, indicate that the steady state concentration of chlordane in fish will not exceed the concentration of chlordane in the diet unless the adiposity of the fish is high.

Spawning Behavior of the Shorthead Redhorse, Moxostoma macrolepidotum, in Big Rock Creek, Illinois

Shorthead redhorse were observed spawning on 17 and 18 May 1976 in Big Rock Creek, Illinois, at 16 C in a manner similar to that described for other redhorse species. Spawning behavior and reproductive characteristics are described for the species.

Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Predation on Freshwater Teleosts

The incidence of attack by the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) was studied on freshwater teleosts of similar and different size. Splake (Salvelinus namaycush × Salvelinus fontinalis), carp (Cyprinus carpio), and white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) were attacked a significantly greater number of times than lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), burbot (Lota lota), shorthead redhorse suckers (Moxostoma macrolepidotum), and brown bullheads (Ictalurus nebulosus). Lampreys rarely preyed upon walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum). Most attacks occurred between the head and caudal peduncle below the lateral line and particularly in the region behind the pectoral fins. Lampreys attacked the largest individuals of any species more frequently than the smaller representatives. The presence of lampreys on a fish did not further the incidence of attack on that fish. None of the species of fish appeared to avoid lamprey attacks, nor did they avoid fish on which lampreys were attached. Only rarely were fish observed to dislodge lampreys.

Studies on tissue arginase and ureogenesis in fresh-water teleosts

1. 1. Arginase activity was assayed in liver tissue homogenates of nineteen species of fresh-water teleosts. Liver arginase activity ranged from 0.58 units/mg of protein in the northern redhorse ( Moxostoma macrolepidotum) to 42.66 units/mg of protein in the tullibee ( Coregonis artedi). 2. 2. Arginase levels were highest in liver tissue followed by kidney and heart tissue. Activity was also assayed in spleen, gills, ovaries, testes, muscle and brain tissue in representative species. 3. 3. Findings suggest diet may play an important role in the level of liver arginase activity and that degradation of dietary arginine may contribute substantially to urea production in teleosts.

Distribution of liver allantoinase and allantoicase activity in fresh-water teleosts

1. 1. Liver allantoinase activity was examined in eighteen species of fresh-water teleosts. Allantoinase activity ranged from 4·17 units/mg of protein in the shortnose gar ( Lepisosteus platostomus) to 38·41 units/mg of protein in the white bass ( Roccus chrysops). 2. 2. Liver allantoicase activity was examined in eleven species of fresh-water teleosts. Allantoicase activity ranged from 0·90 units/mg of protein in the wall-eye ( Stizostedion vitreum) to 2·72 units/mg of protein in the northern redhorse ( Moxostoma macrolepidotum). 3. 3. Certain parameters of allantoinase and allantoicase kinetics were measured. 4. 4. Findings support the theory that uricolysis may contribute substantially to urea production in fresh-water teleosts.

Comparative Electropherograms of the Family Catostomidae

The muscle myogens of Catostomus catostomus exhibit polymorphism. Specimens from Great Slave Lake and Babine Lake were homozygous to pattern type A, whereas those from Lake Superior possessed patterns homozygous to A and B as well as the heterozygote AB. Those of C. commersoni, Moxostoma macrolepidotum, M. anisurum, and M. erythrurum were relatively uniform, showing only odd variants. The two specimens of Ictiobus bubalus examined displayed different patterns. Blood hemoglobin patterns of M. macrolepidotum existed in five, M. anisurum in two, and C. commersoni in three polymorphic forms. The number of specimens of I. bubalus, M. melanops, and Carpiodes cyprinus examined was insufficient to assess the existence of polymorphism. Muscle myogen electropherograms of the eight species investigated reflect overall family resemblances, distinctive generic groupings as well as phylogenetic relationships which compare favorably with those in existence. Intergradations might occur upon a more extensive coverage of this family and which might somewhat obscure this overall picture are discussed.

A New Record of Moxostoma macrolepidotum pisolabrum, and a Range Extension for Percina shumardi, in the Red River, Oklahoma and Texas

A New Record of Moxostoma macrolepidotum pisolabrum, and a Range Extension for Percina shumardi, in the Red River, Oklahoma and Texas