Status of Spring Cavefish in Missouri: A Study in Progress. (Speleology Section).* Adams G.L., S.R. Adams, and B.M. Burr burr (bur) bur. burr n. Variant of bur. burr 1. a plant seed capsule carrying many hooked structures which catch in animal coats thus promoting dissemination of the plant. . Southern Illinois University Southern Illinois University, main campus at Carbondale; state supported; coeducational; est. 1869, opened 1874 as a normal school, renamed 1947. It has a center for archaeological investigation and a fisheries research laboratory. There is also a campus at Edwardsville. at Carbondale. STATUS OF SPRING CAVEFISH The Spring cavefish, Forbesichthys agassizi, is a small subterranean freshwater fish native to the United States. It is currently believed to be endangered but has not been listed under the IUCN index due to lack of population studies. IN MISSOURI: A STUDY IN PROGRESS. Spring cavefish (Forbesichthys agassizi) were first discovered in Missouri at Benton Hills in 1976 and subsequently listed as State Endangered. In May, 1999, we initiated the first comprehensive study of spring cavefish in Missouri. The objectives of this study were to: 1) document abundance and distribution of spring cavefish on a spatial and temporal scale and 2) examine life history characteristics of this poorly-studied species. Five springs at Benton Hills were examined, but only two (West Spring and East Spring) were found to support cavefish cave·fish n. pl. cavefish or cave·fish·es Any of various freshwater fishes of the family Amblyopsidae, found in subterranean waters and having rudimentary nonfunctioning eyes. populations. East Spring generally had higher fish abundance compared to West Spring. Seasonal variation was detected in abundance and distribution at both springs, with highest numbers observed in spring (95 total) and lowest numbers in summer (18 total) and fall (7 total). During spring, cavefish were found throughout Ea st Spring, but were concentrated at the spring head in West Spring. A size-frequency histogram histogram or bar graph Graph using vertical or horizontal bars whose lengths indicate quantities. Along with the pie chart, the histogram is the most common format for representing statistical data. revealed at least two size classes were present, the smaller size class representing young-of-the-year. Many fish (>80%) in the summer and fall samples exhibited signs of stress, including damaged fins and fungus. In winter, 2001, fish abundance was higher (23 total) compared to summer and fall, and fish appeared to be in better condition. We will continue monitoring over the next two years to further elucidate e·lu·ci·date v. e·lu·ci·dat·ed, e·lu·ci·dat·ing, e·lu·ci·dates v.tr. To make clear or plain, especially by explanation; clarify. v.intr. To give an explanation that serves to clarify. factors affecting abundance and life history patterns of spring cavefish in Missouri. Supported by Missouri Department of Conservation. |
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