Species Of Notropis Research Articles

Effects of acclimation to elevated water temperature and hypoxia on thermal tolerance of the threatened pugnose shiner (Notropis anogenus)1

For freshwater fishes, elevated water temperatures associated with climate warming and hypoxia can co-occur and are likely to interact as both affect oxidative metabolism. We quantified the effects of acclimation to elevated temperature and hypoxia on the thermal tolerance of pugnose shiner (Notropis anogenus), a cyprinid fish threatened in its Canadian range. In one experiment, pugnose shiner underwent two-week sequential acclimations to six increasing temperatures. Fish acclimated to warmer waters increased their critical thermal maximum (CTmax), while the agitation temperature (Tag) was 3.4 °C lower than the CTmax. In another experiment, fish were acclimated to three dissolved oxygen treatments (>95%, ∼56%, or ∼40% air saturation) for two weeks and tested under >95% and 40% conditions. CTmax was lower when measured under 40% for normoxia-acclimated fish but not for hypoxia-acclimated fish. Hypoxia-acclimated fish had higher Tag and smaller agitation windows than normoxia-acclimated fish, suggesting that hypoxia acclimation improves aspects of thermal tolerance. We examine the plasticity of thermal tolerance of pugnose shiner, showing that they may be more vulnerable to high temperatures compared with other non-imperiled Notropis species.

Species delimitation of Gyrodactylus (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae) infecting the southernmost cyprinids (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae) in the New World.

The genus Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832 represents one of the most diverse and widespread taxa within Monogenea, with approximately 500 species described worldwide. Thirty-three species of Gyrodactylus have been recorded in Mexico, and in the last two decades, at least 26 new species have been described mainly from freshwater fish families such as poeciliids, goodeids, profundulids, characids, and cichlids. In this study, we describe two new species of Gyrodactylus infecting freshwater cyprinids based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Gyrodactylus ticuchi n. sp. and Gyrodactylus tobala n. sp. were recovered from Notropis moralesi de Buen and N. imeldae Cortés, respectively, captured in five localities from the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. The new species differ slightly from their congeners in the morphology of the haptoral hard parts and the male copulatory organ. Sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacers rDNA (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), cytochrome oxidase subunit I (cox1), and the D2 + D3 domains of the large subunit (28S rDNA) were obtained from multiple specimens and analyzed using Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI). Phylogenetic hypotheses using ITS rDNA, cox1, and 28S rDNA genes recovered two new species of Gyrodactylus from N. moralesi and N. imeldae; we briefly discuss their phylogenetic relationship with other congeners. These gyrodactylids represent the first species described in species of Notropis from southern Mexico, the cyprinids exhibiting the southernmost distribution in the New World.

Exploring potential effects of cormorant predation on the fish community in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron

Abstract Stakeholders and fishery managers expressed concern that double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus predation may be a factor in the recent poor survival of yellow perch Perca flavescens in Saginaw Bay. We quantified cormorant diets from two nesting colonies in Saginaw Bay during April–September in 2013 and 2014, with special emphasis on impacts to yellow perch. Cormorants (n = 691) were collected when returning to colonies after foraging. Stomachs were removed and preserved in the field. Diet items were identified, enumerated, and measured (n = 23.373). Cormorant diets from Saginaw Bay indicate a heavy reliance on round goby and Notropis species as prey during the breeding season, consistent with other areas of the Great Lakes where round goby and cormorants coincide. Respectively, the three most common prey species observed by number (%) and biomass (%) pooled across years and sites were round goby Neogobius melanostomus (56.6%, 42.1%), emerald shiner Notropis antherinoides (25.2%, 12.5%), and yellow perch (8.0%, 14.1%). Diet composition was more variable at Spoils Island than at Little Charity Island. Overall cormorant consumption (estimated using cormorant consumption demand rates) of yellow perch was compared to walleye consumption. Cormorant consumption of age-1 yellow perch was 13–17% as much as mean walleye consumption of yellow perch in 2013 and 8–11% in 2014. The cumulative effects of walleye and spring cormorant predation likely represent a recruitment bottleneck for yellow perch in Saginaw Bay. Future studies determining age-specific abundance of yellow perch would facilitate better determination of cormorant predation significance.

Reproductive Timing of the Telescope Shiner, Notropis telescopus, in Alabama, USA

Gonadal condition of the cyprinid stream fish Notropis telescopus (telescope shiner) was monitored from Feb. to Sep. to determine reproductive schedule. The study site was at the southern limit of species range in northeastern Alabama. Notropis species are multiple batch spawners with strong seasonality to gonadal size and condition. The number of maturing oocytes observed in ovaries was at a peak from Apr. to Jul., with strong majorities of oocytes at the most mature stages in Apr., May and Jun. Ripe and fully mature ovaries were found in fish collected in Apr., May and Jun. A pronounced peak in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was found in Jun. for both males and females. The evidence points to an Alabama spawning season from Apr. to Jul., peaking in the middle of this season.

Aspects of Chub Shiner Notropis potteri Life History with Comments on Native Distribution and Conservation Status

Chub shiner Notropis potteri is unique among Notropis species in dietary habits, but remaining aspects of life history as well as native distribution and current population status are unresolved. Recent work in the lower Brazos River of Texas indicated a significant decline in chub shiner abundance within the native range of the species. Causes for such decline are not fully understood and further life history information is needed. Purpose of this study was to assess life history aspects, conservation status and native distribution of the chub shiner. We collected chub shiner monthly at three sites on the lower Brazos River, Texas from Nov. 2003 through Dec. 2005. Abundance and occurrence of chub shiner throughout our intensive 2 y study was low, precluding comprehensive assessment of reproductive ecology and habitat associations. Chub shiners exhibited three age groups with a maximum life span of 2.5 y. Fish and aquatic insects constituted the largest proportions of diet. Unpublished museum records and zoogeography data suggest that chub shiner is native, rather than introduced, to the Red River Drainage.

A New Species of Notropis (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Southeastern United States

Notropis amplamala, the Longjaw Minnow, is described as a new species for the southern populations of N. buccatus. Notropis amplamala differs from its sister species, N. buccatus, by possessing longer gill rakers (length to width ratio average 2.2, 1.8–2.5 vs. average 1.0, 0.8–1.4), having no breast squamation (vs. breast with scales), and possessing five infraorbital ossicles (vs. four). The two species have a disjunct distribution with N. amplamala occurring in Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean tributaries from the Pearl River to the Altamaha River, and N. buccatus occurring in Mississippi River, Ohio River, and Atlantic coastal tributaries north of the Cumberland River from eastern Missouri to Virginia and Maryland.

Phylogenetic relationships of Mexican minnows of the genus Notropis (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae)

We conducted phylogenetic analyses based on complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences among southern and central Mexican cyprinid species, included in the genera Notropis and Hybopsis. In addition 15 northern species of the genera Notropis and Hybopsis were included in the analyses in order to place the Mexican species into a larger phylogenetic framework. The phylogenetic relationships supported the existence of five major clades: (1) including species of the subgenus Alburnops of the genus Notropis plus N. shumardi; (2) species of the subgenus Notropis; (3) species of the genus Hybopsis; (4) species of the N. texanus + N. volucellus species group of the genus Notropis; (5) Mexican endemic species of the genus Notropis plus the genus Yuriria. Previous phylogenetic inferences based on morphological characters resolved the Mexican minnows analysed as N. sallaei, N. calientis, N. boucardi and Y. alta, non-monophyletic. According to our cytochrome b evidence all Mexican minnows of the genera Notropis and Yuriria formed a monophyletic group with respect to the northern species of the genera Notropis and Hybopsis. Within the Mexican clade, three well-supported clades were identified: the first included the closely related species N. moralesi and N. boucardi, which occur in three independent drainages of south Mexico; the second consisted of two different lineages, N. imeldae and an undescribed species of Notropis, inhabiting two independent drainages of south Mexico; the third comprised two central Mexican Notropis species (N. calientis and N. sallaei) and the Y. alta populations. Based on this study and pending a more extensive taxonomic revision of the genus Notropis, we adopt the conservative criterion of considering all Notropis species from southern and central Mexico examined, including Y. alta, as belonging to the genus Notropis. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 80, 323–337.

Notropis bocagrande, a New Cyprinid Fish from Chihuahua, Mexico, with Comments on Notropis formosus

A new species of Notropis (subgenus Cyprinella) is described from a single spring in the Guzman Basin of northwestern Mexico. It differs from N. formosus and other members of the N. lutrensis-complex in body size and conformation, color, pigmentation, nuptial tubercles, but most notably in its long jaws which extend under the orbit. In addition, the taxonomic status of populations of N. formosus is examined, with the conclusion that it is a highly variable species. Subdivision of N. formosus into species or subspecies seems unjustified.

Comparative Ecology of Notropis albeolus, N. ardens and N. cerasinus (Cyprinidae) in the Upper Roanoke River Drainage, Virginia

Foods, feeding periodicity and microhabitat use are reported for coexisting Notropis albeolus, N. ardens and N. cerasinus in the upper Roanoke River drainage, Virginia. All three species primarily occupied pool habitats, ate aquatic insect larvae or terrestrial adult insects, and were diurnal feeders. Notropis ardens (subgenus Lythrurus) was ecologically segregated from N. albeolus and N. cerasinus (both subgenus Luxilus) in vertical spacing in the water column and in taxa of foods used. The two Luxilus species were ecologically more similar, segregated only by vertical differences in microhabitat. Overlaps in resource use among the three species pairs suggested congruence of phylogenetic and ecological similarities. INTRODUCTION The phenomenon of resource partitioning is well-documented in reptile, bird and mammal communities (cf., Pianka, 1973; Schoener, 1974), and in numerous freshwater fish communities closely related, coexisting species differ ecologically, e.g., in microhabitat, food or feeding chronology (Hartley, 1948; Keast, 1965, 1966, 1978; Zaret and Rand, 1971; Werner and Hall, 1976, 1979; Werner et al., 1977). It has often been assumed that some segregation in resource use is a requisite for coexistence of species, and that observed ecological differences among coexisting taxa result from past or present competitive interactions. However, uncritical acceptance of a competition model to account for ecological differences among coexisting fish species may be unwarranted (Sale, 1979), and the plausibility of alternative hypotheses should be considered. Mendelson (1975), for example, suggested that coexisting minnows used resources in patterns set by morphological preadaptation. In eastern North America, minnows of the genus Notropis (Cyprinidae) often occur in multispecies aggregations, using habitats and foods that superficially appear similar. However, Starrett (1950), Whitaker (1977), Gillen and Hart (1980) and Hoover (1981) showed trophic segregation among coexisting Notropis species, and Moyle (1973) and Baker and Ross (1981) demonstrated that coexisting Notropis species segregated vertically into different microhabits. Mendelson (1975) showed that four coexisting Notropis were ecologically segregated more by use of space than by diet. While these studies suggest the importance of dietary and microhabitat segregation among coexisting Notropis, there has been too little comparative research within this diverse genus (at least 119 species) to permit generalization about mechanisms that facilitate species coexistence. In this study we evaluate ecological segregation among three syntopic Notropis species, with emphasis on microhabitat, food and feeding chronology in a complex upland stream system. We also provide information on cold vs. warm weather ecology of the species. Our study focuses on Notropis albeolus (white shiner, subgenus Luxilus), N. ardens (rosefin shiner, subgenus Lythrurus) and N. cerasinus (crescent shiner, subgenus Luxilus), which are the three most common Notropis in the upper Roanoke River drainage above Salem, Virginia (Jordan, 1889; Cairns et al. 1971; Jenkins, 1979). All three coexist in the river mainstream and in larger tributaries, but N. cerasinus occurs somewhat further 'Address reprint requests to Matthews.

Reproduction and Population Structure of an Undescribed Species of Notropis (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from the Mobile Bay Drainage, Alabama

Although undescribed, Notropis sp. (cf. N. longirostris) has been recognized as a distinct species for some time. It occurs in small to moderate size streams throughout the Mobile Bay drainage below the Fall Line, but is rare above it. Habitat and species associates are considered briefly. In Uphapee Creek, Macon County, Alabama, the reproductive season extended in 1974 from early to mid April into late September or early October. Counts of mature ova were correlated with female size and ranged from 99 to 323 for females 31-41 mm SL. Unovulated mature ova were 0.70-0.90 mm in diameter. Males matured sexually at a slightly smaller size than females; all males were mature by 29 mm SL and all females by 31 mm SL. The sex ratio did not differ from 1:1. This species of Notropis lives about 11/2 to 2 years. Maturity occurs at about one year. Maximum size was ca. 45 mm SL.

SELECTING GROUPS OF FISH TO OPTIMIZE ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION ON THERMAL DISCHARGES1

ABSTRACT: A national trend over the last 25 years has been to require increasing amounts of biological information on industrial waste discharges. Acquisition of this essential information frequently involves complex assessments. In order to optimize the value of information gathered and to minimize the cost of this information, it is essential that analyses of redundancy be accompanied by the determination of which groups of organisms give the most information relative to a particular problem. Studies of the effect of temperature on the fishes of the New River, Glen Lyn, Virginia, provide us with the opportunity to evaluate the redundancy of information relative to the influence of temperature on fish distribution. Information of this type will be useful in selecting groups of organisms for laboratory temperature preference and avoidance tests. It was shown that the distribution of three genera (Notropis, Micropterus, and Etheostoma) had the highest correlation with the distribution of the total fish fauna and, therefore, provided the most information relative to temperature selection of the New River ichthyofauna. The final temperature preferences of the most abundant species of Notropis and Micropterus were representative of the response of the entire fish community based on the distribution of diversity indices relative to temperature.

Feeding Relationships among Species of Notropis (Pisces: Cyprinidae) in a Wisconsin Stream

The relationship between spatial preference and diet in four species of the genus Notropis (Pisces: Cyprinidae) was investigated in Roxbury Creek, a small stream in southern Wisconsin. Characteristic spatial distributions for each species were determined from frequency of catch in unbaited minnow traps set at varying heights and locations in the pools of the stream. Data for the year 1966—67 indicate that two species, Notropis atherinoides and N. spilopterus are common in midwater. Notropis dorsalis is most frequently found near the bottom and shows a strong preference for the upstream edge of pools Notropis stramineus is also found most often near the bottom but within the pools themselves. The spatial distributions of aquatic invertebrates, the major prey of Notropis in the pools of Roxbury Creek, were also investigated. Data gathered from drift and bottom samples taken in eight sampling periods during 1970—71 suggest a separation between the relatively sedentary bottom fauna, composed of oligochaetes, isopods, several genera of chironomids, tipulids, and trichopterans; and the drift fauna, composed of copepods, chironomids of the subfamily Orthocladiinae, ephemeropterans, and terrestrial anthropods. Certain genera, including the ubiquitous Gammarus were found commonly in both drift and benthic samples. Indices of similarity between pool benthos and drift ranged between 7% and 59%. Data on food habits of Notropis gathered from stomach content analysis of fishes collected over the same period indicate that 73% of the invertebrate genera present are utilized by Notropis species in Roxbury Creek. Considerable overlap exists in the invertebrate genera chosen by the four species (69%—84%), and strong overall correlations between species are found in the importance of various orders of aquatic invertebrates in the diet. Differences in food habits relate principally to differences in space utilization. Midwater species tend to feed on drifting chironomids, copepods, terrestrials, and other animals found in the water column. Bottom—dwelling fishes feed on benthic genera of chironomids, tipulids, oligochaetes, and other organisms found commonly in pool substrates. It is concluded that spatial rather than taxonomic considerations are the chief determinants of prey selection in these four species, and that this pattern of resource subdivision acts to reduce competition in sympatric, syntopic populations of these fishes. Data from other Wisconsin Streams, from aquarium observations, and from literature review suggest that multispecific assemblages of mutually responsive species like the ones in Roxbury Creek are common in Notropis.

Notropis mekistocholas, a New Herbivorous Cyprinid Fish Endemic to the Cape Fear River Basin, North Carolina

THE genus Notropis usually has been characterized as having a short, S-shaped alimentary tract, distinguishing it from closely related groups containing herbivorous forms with elongate intestines. Discovery of a unique new species of Notropis, closely related to N. procne (Cope), with an elongate gut tends to obscure further the alreadyvague limits of certain North American cyprinid genera. This new minnow was first discovered in

PHYSIOLOGICAL VARIATION IN ANIMALS

SUMMARY Numerous examples are cited of physiological characters which, like morphological characters, vary genotypically, ontogenetically or phenotypically. Physiological variation is useful in describing interspecific relations, intraspecific variation and the limits of ecological range. Physiological variation of a character permits the establishment of populations at environmental limits and thus predisposes a race for genetic fixation of a character (Baldwin effect). Such variation is primary in providing one mechanism of reproductive isolation. Secondary physiological variation functions in habitat selection, particularly after reproductive isolation. Criteria for physiological variation are given by measurement of internal state in relation to environmental stress. In regulators a criterion is the point of failure of homeostatic mechanisms; in adjusters a criterion is the limit of tolerance after maximum acclimation. Both regulation and adjustment are adaptive to environmental change; in both types, phenotypic variation must be distinguished from genotypic variation. Examples of physiological variation in osmotic adaptation, in different populations of the same species, are given for species of Paramecium, Euplotes, Asterias, Gammarus, Callinectes, Anopheles, Onchorhynchus and Gasterosteus. Genetically different races have been established for Gasterosteus aculeatus and Euplotes vassus. Ionic balance has been little studied as a basis for variation of populations but specific requirements for some elements, such as copper and calcium, may have led to local differences. Stress of temperature extremes has induced many physiological variants. Closely related large homoiotherms differ in insulating capacity, smaller species differ also in metabolic response, particularly to cold. Poikilotherms differ in tolerance limits after acclimation, in ‘selected’ temperatures, in metabolic level according to their temperature history, in Q10, in critical temperatures for reproduction and development. Physiological races with respect to temperature tolerance or selection are cited for species of Notropis, Micropterus, Gambusia, Pandalus and Carabus. Examples of metabolic differences in populations are found in aquatic but not terrestrial poikilotherms. Examples of races with respect to optimal temperature of development are found in species of Paramecium, Crassostrea, Urosalpinx, Daphnia, Drosophila, Lymantria and Rana. Criteria of variation with respect to oxygen are the half‐saturation value of transport pigments, the critical oxygen concentration, metabolic level, tolerance of products of anaerobiosis, auxiliary breathing mechanisms and stimulation of pigment development by hypoxia. Correlations of these functions with history of oxygen availability are cited, but data are inadequate to establish genetic races. Selection of specific food plants depends on secondary products, not primary food; many subspecies and races are known by food plant selection, especially among bugs, gall flies and butterflies. Preference can be transferred from one plant to another by forced‐feeding habituation; a food habit can be transmitted by behaviour from one generation to the next, or it may be fixed by genetic differences. Many genetic strains resistant to natural and artificial poisons are known. Light is an isolating mechanism for cave animals, for races differing in photo‐taxes, for races and related species differing in pigmentation and in establishing photoperiodic cycles. Variation in tolerance of type of substratum, of stream and of wind velocity isolates in some species. Examples of isolation by reproductive behaviour are given in crickets, Drosophila, birds and other groups. Selection of host by parasites and symbionts is a subtle isolating mechanism, probably based largely on chemical specificity. Serological incompatibility is a secondary mechanism in maintaining genetic intersterility. Physiological variation is usually accompanied by detectable morphological variation which may or may not be adaptive. Reproductive isolation may exist with slight physiological or morphological variation or conversely interbreeding may occur among very different populations. Need for physiological study of intraspecific variation according to history and distribution of natural populations is stressed.

Notice of a collection of fishes made by H. H. Brimley in Cane River and Bollings Creek, North Carolina, with a description of a new species ofNotropis (N. brimleyi)

Notice of a collection of fishes made by H. H. Brimley in Cane River and Bollings Creek, North Carolina, with a description of a new species ofNotropis (N. brimleyi)