THE OF THE CAROLINA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

by

Larry L. Olmsted and Donald G. Cloutman

Final Report to

United States Department of the Interior and Wildlife Service

March 1978 INTRODUCTION

The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife has established more than 300 national wildlife refuges for management of waterfowl, large mammals, and certain endangered species. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 as a wildlife demonstration area (USlll, Fish and Wildlife Service 1968). Although management practices and developments are designed primarily to Improve the habitat of certain birds and mammals, the area also serves as a sanctuary for many other forms of life, including fishes.

Little information is available concerning the fishes of the Sandhills region in , and no detailed studies have been conducted previously on the refuge. Welsh (1916) reported on fishes he collected during a canoe journey in the Lumber, Pee Dee, and Waccamaw drainages from Pinebluff, to Georgetown, South Carolina, and Carolina Power and Light Company (1976) has surveyed the fishes of Lake Robinson and Black Creek south of the refuge. This present study was initiated to provide distributional data on fishes of the Sandhills region and to formulate management recommendations for protecting threatened species or species of economic or ecological interest on the refuge. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA

The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge (Fig. 1) consists of 46,000 acres

(18,600 ha) in a wide band of sandhills along the Fall Line between the Coastal and Plateau in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Elevations range from 250 to 500 ft (75 to 150 m) above sea level. The. soi 1 is predominantly sand with occasional red clay outcroppings. Before 1939, most of the land was cleared and burned over, but under protection it has returned to stands of pre­ dominantly longleaf pine· and scrub oak with scattered areas cultivated for wildlife management. 2 --m>., 7 -I 33

29 __--.., , 30

5 km

SOUTH CAROLINA

31

.-..

Figure I. Map of the Carolina Sandhills National ~lildlife Refuge showing collection localities. The eastern portion of the refuge drains into Black Creek and its tributaries

(Fig. l). The water is clear but stained brown or black due to organic acids.

The larger creeks have steep banks, deep channels, and moderate flows. Flood­ plain swamps, consisting of areas periodically flooded by rains and high stream­ flow, occur along some of the large creeks. Tributaries are similar except they are usually shallower and flows are swifter. Aquatic macrophytes are generally abundant and submerged trees and debris are common. Vegetation along the streams consists largely of swamp forest or dense stands of evergreen shrubs (Ericaceae). Many small Impoundments have been constructed on the tributaries. The impoundments have clear dark water and support extensive beds of macrophytes.

The western portion of the refuge drains into the Lynches River and its tributaries. Tributaries of the Lynches River are similar to those of Black Creek except they are deeper and swifter. The mainstream of the Lynches River originates in the Piedmont Plateau, and in the vicinity of the refuge is characterized by slightly stained and turbid water and predominantly clay banks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 1976 through August 1977, 14 collections in the Lynches drainage and 42 in the Black Creek drainage were made using seines, dip nets, gill nets, and a backpack electrofisher. Most collections were made with the seine because low conductivity limited the effectiveness of the electrofisher. Gi 11 nets were used in the impoundments and deep pools in Black Creek. Nomenclature in this report is according to Bailey et al. (1970). Comments regarding "threatened" and "special concern" status refer to suggestions by Loyacano and Gilbert (In Press).

Specimens collected in this study are deposited in museums at the University of

North Carolina at Charlotte, Duke Power Company, Environmental Sciences Unit, and U. S. National Museum, Washington, D. C. COLLECTION SITES Black Creek Drainage CREEKS Station Black Creek at Catarrah Road. Collected 22 May 1976. Station 2 Black Creek at Hwy 145. Collected 28 February 1976, 3 April 1976, 10 July 1976, 7 August 1976. Station 3 Black Creek at Old Wire Road. Collected 14 February 1976, 28 February 1976, 9 July 1976, 3 September 1976. Station 4 Black Creek at Hwyl. Collected 4 September 1976. Station 5 Little Black Creek at County Road 138 at northern edge of refuge. Collected 19 July 1976. Station 6 Skipper Creek below Pool L. Collected 22 May 1976. Station 7 Skipper Creek at Hwy 145. Collected .22 May 1976, 6 August 1976. Station 8 . Rogers Branch at Rt 3. Collected 22 May 1976. Station 9 Creek below Mays Lake. Collected 3 April 1976. Station 10 Ham Creek below Pool H. Collected 14 February 1976. Station 11 Ham Creek below Lake Bee (at Hwy 145). Collected 14 February 1976, 28 February 1976, 6 August 1976.

Station 12 Creek below Pool G, at PR l. Co 11 ected 20 November 1976.

Station 13 Creek just below Lower Twin Lakes. Collected 3 Apri 1 1976.

Station 14 Ham Creek below Pool D, at PR l. Col 1ected 3 Apr i 1 1976, 10 July 1976. Station 15 Ham Creek below Martins Lake. Co 11 ected 28 February 1976. Station 16 Ham Creek at Old Wire Road. Collected 14 February 1976.

Station 17 Little Alligator Creek below Pool A, at PR l. Collected 14 February 1976, 4 September 1976.

PONDS Station 18 Pool L.. Collected 22 May 1976. Station 19 Mays Lake. Collected 3 Apri 1 1976. Station 20 Pool H. Collected 14 February 1976, 20 November 1976. Station 21 Lake Bee. Collected 28 February 1976, 22 May 1976, 6 August 1976. Station 22 Pool G. Collected 20 November 1976.

Stat I on 23 Upper Twin Lakes, Co 1 lected 3 Apr! 1 1976.

Station 24 Lower Twin Lakes. Co 11 ected 3 Apr i 1 1976.

Stat ion 25 Martins Lake. Collected 28 February 1976. 3 September 1976, Station 26 Pool c. Co 11 <;!cted 22 May 1976.

Station 27 Pool A. Col 1ected 4 September 1976.

Lynches River Drainage

MAINSTREAM

Station 28 Lynches River at Hwy 903 bridge (not in the refuge, but character­ istic of the river on the refuge and had good access). Collected 22 May 1976, 17 September 1976, 7 May 1977.

Station 29 Lynches River at mouth of Swift Creek. Collected 7 August 1976.

Station 30 Lynches River approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) downstream from the mouth of Swift Creek. Collected 11 September 1976.

Station 31 Lynches River at Hwy 1 bridge. Collected 7 May 1977.

CREEKS

Station 32 Oxpen Branch below Pool J. Collected 2 April 1977.

Station 33 Big Sandy Creek at ref.uge border. Collected 6 August 1977.

Station 34 North Prong Swift Creek, Rt 436. Collected 20 November 1976.

Station 35 South Prong Swift Creek, Rt 436, Collected 20 November 1976.

Station 36 Swift Creek,. 1200 ft (400 m) upstream from confluence with Lynches River. Collected 7 August 1976.

PONDS

Station 37 Pond above Oxpen Lake. Collected 22 May 1976.

Station 38 Pool J. Collected 22 May 1976, 4 September 1976.

ANNOTATED LI ST OF SPEC I ES

A total of 5061 specimens representing 49 species from 11 fami 1 ies was collected during this study (Table 1), In the list of species which follows, numbers of 'fable I: Number of fishes collected In the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge) South Carolina from January 1976 through August 1977,

Black Creek Drainage Lynches Fl i ver Drain age ------·-- ---·

~eoisosteus ~* 0 0 0 0 0 Amia calva* 0 0 0 0 0 Angul I lq rostrata 0 1 0 0 0 Umbra~ 0 25 0 5 0 Esox an:eri can us 3 23 0 1 0 ~ n.lg_~ 33 44 0 1 0 Hybognath.~ reg i us 0 0 0 0 5 -Hybopsls sp. n. 0 0 0 0 51 ~pcomls Jeptocephalus_ 0 0 0 0 8 Notern!gonus crysoleucas 0 4 0 0 0 altipinnis 0 0 0 0 13 Notropls ar1alostanus 0 0 0 0 48 NotroP.12. chalybaeUS 0 4 0 1 0 Notropis fllmmlngsae 0 445 0 2 9 Notropls !!.l..Y~ 0 0 0 0 85 Notropis ~tersoni 0 0 0 0 9 Notropii procne 0 0 0 0 25 Notropls P-Yrrhomelas 0 .2 .. 0 0 ... .98 .. IW..!.J:.Q.P.il ?.f.~Q.! I cus 0 0 0 0 140 Semot1 lus sp. n. 0 0 0 0 I tr i myzon 9b lQ!lH!:!~ 0 2 0 0 0 Er i ny~.QI!. ~.i:i..s:.et ta l'il 32 0 0 0 til~l!L9 m~ano~ 0 1 I 0 0 I Moxostoma an i surum 0 0 0 0 2 i ct;;iTUl-U.S ~:JtiJ_s __ 0 0 0 0 1 I ct.:iTlirUS ilata Ii s 9 10 2 1 3 !Cta 1 ur!!~ ~"a-tyC-ey_~~ 0 0 0 0 3 L£ta1urus punctcttus~': 0 0 0 0 0 tlQ.!!:!JUS gyrinus 0 21 0 0 1 HQJ;~~ L~nls 0 15 0 0 1 NQtLirll.§ sp. n. 0 0 0 0 1 £b2.Lc~.. l@§~J: 0.rnuta 0 14 0 0 0 lliill_redocj_~J.J.!.~ sayan._~ 59 62 0 2 6 E!,lnclulu.:1 l.1.neolatus. 213 139 22 3 0 G.Jmbus I§! €lffJJli2.. 8'42 98 81 4 2t 8cantharchus ~mot is 2 I 0 0 0 ~Q!.l_t.rarchus· wcro~.[~'~ 0 0 0 0 0 Enneacanthus chaetodon 100 109 0 0 0 Enneacanthus Q1orl9sus 86 72 0 0 0 [nn~acantb.!!~ gbe...§..._L!.~. .1': 0 0 0 0 0 l&e._om is ~!:l_tus 0 (I 0 0 51 LeQQr~!_§, gl bb~ 0 0 0 1 10 ~&Q_om ! s 9..!d.l.Qs us 3 5 10 1 3 Lepom !2 !!IB.fLQ.'.!.bl.r:.'::!.§ 794 55 36 1 II b_eromls m_~natus 138 129 0 0 0 ~pm is rnl£.ro l_g_t>JJg.~ 0 0 0 0 1 MiC:.!..2.£terus sa lmo! des 22 18 6 0 5 Pomoxls n!gromuculatu~ 0 0 0 0 1 Ela~g>.[!§. sp. n. 0 30 0 0 0 E laS§..Qff!l:l ~na.t!!m. 0 40 0 0 0 Etheostorna fusiforme 96 39 0 0 1 Ethe.Q.2tom_~ ol!!!§teC.J_'[­ 0 12 0 74 5 Etheostoma se_rri ferum 10 18 0 2 0 Perc;i n.a crass~---- 0 0 0 0 3 Total 2553 I 513 157 I 16 722

* Species known to occur in the Sandh 111 s region, but not taken in this study, the stations at which each species was collected are followed by numbers of individuals collected In parentheses.

Anguilla rostrata (Lesueur)

Station: 14(1).

Only one American eel was observed during this study. A. rostrata is catadromous but spends most of its life in freshwater. Only females ascend far above the tidal·zone of rivers. Channel obstructions may impede upstream migrations, thus eels are often .concentrated below dams. Lake Robinson on Black Creek likely limits upstream movements of. eels, as evidenced by their rarity In that lmpound­ ment (Carolina Power and Light Company 1976) and on the refuge.

Umbra pygmaea (DeKay}

Stations: 2(16), 3(2), 8(1), 9(1), 11(2), 16(3), 36(5)

Eastern mudminnows were found in blackwater creeks and swamps of both the Black Creek and Lynches River drainages. They typically inhabited calm waters where they burrowed into soft.organic substrates. Although they were found only in creeks or floodplain swamps in the present study (Table 1), they have been reported from many Coastal Plain lakes (Carolina Power and Light

Company 1976; Menhinick et al. 1974).

Esox americanus Gmelin

Stations: 1(4), 2(4}, 3(2), 4(4), 5(4), 7(2), 11(3), 18(1), 23(2), 32(J)

Redfin pickerel were collected most often from creeks in the Black Creek drainage, although some were taken from ponds (Table 1). Only one specimen was taken in the Lynches drainage. They were often associated with emergent vegetation in slackwater areas. Redfin pickerel are. generally abundant in Coastal Plain streams, but rare in the Piedmont region (Crossman 1962). L americahus apparently does not become la.rge enough on the ref.uge to be an important s·port fish. Esox.nlger Lesueur

Stations: 1(1), 2(10), 3(2), 4(3), 5(5), 9(4), 11(5), 12(2), 13(4), 14(5),

15(1)' 17(3)' 19(10)' 23(15)' 24(2)' 25(3)' 26(1)' 27(1)' 36(1).

Chain pickerel are widely distributed in blackWater creeks and ponds on the refuge, and are more abundant than the redfin pickerel, particularly in ponds

(Table 1). f· niger are abundant in the Coastal Plain, but in the Piedmont occur even more rarely than redfin pickerel (Menhinick 1975). Several harvestable­ size chain pickerel were collected during this study and some were seen in the creels of fishermen, indicati.ng that this is an important sport fish on the refoge.

Hybognathus regius Girard

Station: 28(5).

Eastern si ]very minnows were taken only in the Lynches River mainstream. This species typically inhabits la,rge rivers and is more abundant in the Piedmont than the Coastal Plain.

Hybopsis sp.

Stations: 28{25), 29{3), 30{13), 31(10).

The thinlip chub was taken only from the Lynches River mainstream, where it is common. This undescribed species is known in South Carolina only from the specimens collected in this study. The previous known ra.nge was the Lumber and

Cape Fear drainages in North Carolina (Robert E. Jenkins, pers. comm.). The thinlip chub appears to be restricted to the mainstream of the Lynches River in the Sandhills region near the Fall Line and should be r.egarded as a threatened spedes in South Carolina.

Nocomis leptocephalus (Girard)

Stations: 28(3), 30(4), 31(1).

The bluehead chub was found only in the Lynches River mainstream, where it is uncommon. This species is one of the most widespread and.abundant fishes in and Piedmont creeks in the Atlantic Coast drain.ages of the southeastern

United States but is generally lacki.ng in the Coastal Plain (Lachner and

Jenkins 1971).

Notemigonus crysoleucas (Mitchill)

Stations: 3(1), 5(2), 9(1).

The golden shiner is rare on the refoge although it is widely distribu.ted in the eastern United States and is one of the most commonly used bait minnows.

Although it was found only in the Black Creek drainage duri.ng this study, it probably also occurs in the Lynches River adjacent to the refuge.

Notropis altipinnis (Cope)

Station: 28(13).

The highfin shiner was found only in the Lynches River mainstream. This species is common in the Piedmont but is. generally lackl.ng in the Coastal Plain portion of th.e drain.age. The typical Pee Dee subspecies(!!_.!!.· altlpinnis

(Hubbs and Raney 1948)), characterized by 9 anal rays, was not taken. The form from the Lynches. River had 10 anal rays. Further studies arc;> needed to determine the taxonomic status of this form.

Notrop is cha lybaeus (Cope)

Stations: 2(1), 5(3), 36(_1).

The ironcolor shiner is rare in refoge' creeks. This species is generally common and widespread in Coastal Plain streams in the southeastern United States

(Swift 1970).

Notropis chloristius (Jordan and Brayton)

Stations; 28(45), 30(4), 31(2).

The. greenfin shiner was found only in tree Lynches River mainstream. Although abundant in the Santee drainage (Gibbs 1963) this represents the first record of this species from the Pee Dee drainage.

Notropis cummingsae Myers

Stations: 2(77), 3(15), 4(1), 5(50), 7(53), 11 (3), 14(194), 16(50),

17(2)' 28(9)' 32(70)' 33(11)' 34(10)' 35(1)' 36(1).

The dusky sh.iner is widespread and abundant in blackwater creeks on the refuge but absent in ponds. This species was also found in the mainstream of the

Lynches River but was not common. !:!· cummingsae is widespread in the Coastal

Plain in the Carolinas (Hubbs and Raney 1951).

Notropis niveus (Cope)

Stations: 28(66), 29(8), 30(11), 31(2).

In this study, the whitefin shiner was found only in the mainstream of the

Lynches River. This species is common in large streams in the Piedmont portion of the Pee Dee drainage in North Carolina (Menhinick et al. 1974), but is rare in the Coastal Plain. This species generally is not found in small creeks such as those found on the refuge.

Notropis petersoni Fowler

Stations: 28(7), 29(1), 30(1), 31 (1).

The coastal shiner was found only in the Lynches River mainstream where It is uncommon. This species is widely distributed in the Coastal Plain in the southeastern United States (Swift 1970). A study of the 1 ife history and ecology of the coastal shiner in North Carolina (Davis and Louder 1971) showed that this species generally inhabits blackwater streams with sandy bottoms, slow current, and low pH.

Notropis procne (Cope)

Stations: 28(23), 29(2), 31(2). The swallowtail shiner is common in the mainstream .of the Lynches River but absent from all other habitats on the refuge. The southern subspecies,

!!_. E.· longiceps, is the form present in the Lynches River (Raney 1947).

Notropis pyrrhomelas (Cope)

Stations: 2(1), 5(1), 28(22), 29(9), 30(42), 31(25). The fieryblack shiner is rare in the Black Creek drainage but abundant in the mainstream of the Lynches River. This species is most abundant in clear foothi 11 streams i·n the Pee Dee and Santee drainage.s, generally rare in the Piedmont region, and locally abundant near the Fall Line (Menhinick 1975, Randa 11 1957) •

Notropis scepticus (Jordan and Gilbert) Stations: 28(99), 29(13), 30(25), 31 (3). The sandbar shiner is abundant in the Lynches River mainstream but absent from other habitats on the refuge. !!_. scepticus is generally common to abundant in clear, moderate-sized. creeks in the foothi 1 ls and Piedmont from the Cape Fear drainage in North Carolina to the Savannah drainage in Georgia, but generally rare or absent in blackwater Coastal Plain streams (Harrell and Cloutman, In press).

Semoti lus sp. Station: 28(1).

One specimen of the undescribed Lumber or Sandhills chub was taken from the mainstream of the Lynches River. This species was known previously only from the upper Lumber River drainage in North Carolina and a single isolated record from a Pee Dee tributary in South Carolina (F. F. Snelson, pers. comm.). Since this species typically inhabi.ts small headwater creeks, the small specimen from the Lynches River mainstream was apparently displaced from its typical habitat. Several collections were made to find this species in small· tributaries of the Lynches River in Chesterfield County (both on and off the refuge}, but none were found. During this search, several specimens of the widely dis­ tributed creek chub, S. atromaculatus (Mitchill), were collected ln creeks north of the refuge. Because of its rarity and limited distribution, the Lumber chub was regarded as a species of special concern at a symposium on threatened biota of South Carolina.

Erimyzon oblongus (Mitchill)

Station: 5(2). The creek chubsucker, typically an abundant species in Coastal Plain streams, is rare on the refuge. Small creeks are the preferred habitat of this species, and their rarity on the refuge is unexplained.

Erimyzon sucetta (Lacepede)

Stations: 4(7), 5(8), 7(1), 10(1), 11 (3), 13(1), 14(6), 17(5), 19(50),

20(18)' 21 (7)' 23(1)' 24(5)' 25(13)' 26(43)' 27(4). The lake chubsucker is widespread and abundant in creeks and ponds in the Black Creek drainage, but none were taken in the Lynches River drainage. They are more abundant in ponds th.an creeks (Table l). This species is character­ istically a Coastal Plain inhabitant.

Minytrema melanops (Rafinesque)

Stations: 1(3), 3(3), 4(5), 28(1).

Spotted suckers were collected from large creeks in the Black Creek and Lynches

River drainages. Al 1 individuals collected were immature, probably a reflection of the selectivity of the sampling gear. Spotted suckers are common in larger rivers of the Coastal Plain. Moxostoma ah ts:u rum (Raf lnesque.)

Stations: 28(.3), 30(2).

Silver redhorse were collected in the refuge only from the matnstream of tb.e

Lynches River. M. anisurum are common tnhabttants of large rivers. and reservoirs of the Piedmont and Coastal Platn,

lctalurus catus (Linnaeus)

Station: 28(.1).

The white catfish was rare in the Lynches River malns.tre.am •. Although tttis species was not taken in the Black Creek drainage on the ref.uge, it has been taken downstream (Carolina Power and Light Company 1976).

1.ctalurus natal Is {_Lesueur)

Stations: 3(1), 4(1), 7(2), 11(3), 14(3), 21(3), 25(6), JO(J}, 32{1), 36(2).

Yellow bullheads are common in both the Black Creek and Lynches River drainages,

I. natal is reached its greatest abundance in backwater areas or ponds., Several large (1.5 lb, 0.9 kg) specimens were taken in gi 11 nets from Lake Bee and

Martins.Lake. Because of their abundance and size, yellow bullheads may be considered an important sport species on the refuge,

lctalurus. platycephalus (Girard)

Station: 28(.3).

The fl at bu 11 head was taken on 1y in the Lynches RIver ma i ns.tream where it appeared to be uncommon. This species h.as been found in Lake Robinson (Carolina

Power and Light Company 1976), but none were taken from the B.lack Creek drainage on the refuge. The flat bul !head is common in the Piedmont region of Atlantic

Coast drainages in the southeastern Uni'ted States, but ls generally rare or uncommon in the Coastal Plain (Yerger and Relyea 1968). Noturus gyrinus (Mitchill)

Stations: 1(1), 2(1), 5(2), 7(1), 14(16), 30(1).

The tadpole madtom was common in creeks in the Black Creek drainag-e but rare in the Lynches River drainage. ~· gyrinus is widespread in the Coastal Plain in the eastern United States (Taylor 1969).

Notu rus i ns.i gn is (Richard son)

Stations: 1(9), 5(1), 7(5), 28(1). The margined madtom was taken in creeks in the Black Creek drainage and in the Lynches River. Most specimens collected in this study were associated with aquatic macrophytes in shallow swift water. N. insignis is widely distributed in Atlantic Coast drainages (Taylor 1969).

Noturus sp. Station: 30(1). The broadtail madtom, an undescribed relative of Noturus leptacanthus (Jordan), was taken from the mainstream of the Lynches River. Before the specimen was collected in this study, the broadtail madtom was known only from the Cape Fear and Lumber drainages in North Carolina (Robert E. Jenkins, pers. comm.). Because of its rari-ty and apparently restricted range, this species should be regarded as threatened in South Carolina.

Chologaster cornuta Agassiz

Station: 3(14). The swampfish is locally common in the Black Creek drainage. C. cornuta inhabits swamps and blackwater streams in the southern Atlantic Coastal Plain from Virginia to Georgia (Woods and Inger 1957).

Aphredoderus say anus (G i 11 i ams)

Stations: 2(1), 3(16), 4(9), 4(6), 7.(3), 10(8), 11 (10), 12(1), 14(5), 17(3),

20(14)' 21 (1)' 23(2)' 26(11) 27(31)' 28(4)' 30(2)' 32(1)' 36(1). Th.e pi:rate perch is widespread and common tn the refoge, The optimum habitat was ponds. or backwaters of creeks with clear water, abundant aquatic vegetation, and a bottom of organic debris. The pirate perch is widespread in lowland areas of the southeastern United States.

Fundulus 1 ineolatus (Agassiz)

Stations: 2(5), 3(27), 4(4), 5(1), 7(1), 11(62), 12(14), 13(3), 14(20),

15(2), 20(30), 21(11), 22(72), 23(40), 24(17), 25(43), 32(3),

38(22).

The lined topminnow was found in all habitats in the refuge except the main~ stream of the Lynches River. This species is mos.t abundant in ponds and backwater areas in the creeks. F. 1 ineolatus ls restrlcted to the Coastal Plain

(Brown 1958; Rivas 1966).

Gambus i a aff in is (Bal rd and Girard)

Stations: 3(2), 4(1), 5(10), 11 (59), 13(5), 14(1), 15(2), 21 (127), 23(500),

24(145), 25(70), 28(24), 30{1), 31(1), 36(4), 38(81).

The mosqujtofish is the most abundant fish in the refuge and was found in all habitats·. G. affinis reached. greates.t abundance in impoundments. This species i·s· wldes·pread in the southeastern United States and has been wide 1y int reduced for mosquito control.

Acantharchus pomot is (Bai rd)

Stations: 14(1), 26(2).

The mud sunfish was rare in the Black Greek drainage on the refuge. This species is restricted to the Coastal Plain from to (Moore 1968).

Enneacanthus chaetodon (Baird)

Stations: 3(15), 5(4), 7(6), 8(1), 9(7), 10(21), 11 (3), 12(10), 13(3),

14(33), 15(6), 20(45), 21(4), 22(9), 24(1), 25(41). The is abundant in ponds and creeks in the Black Creek drainage. E. chaetodon is restricted to the Coastal Plain of Atlantic Coast drainages (Jenkins et al. 1975).

Enneacanthus gloriosus (Holbrook)

Stations: 2(1), 3(7), 4(2), 5(4), 10(5), 11 (16), 12(8), 13(2), 14(25),

15(2)' 20(27)' 21 (20)' 22(9)' 23(12)' 24(3)' .25(15). The was abundant in ponds and creeks in the Black Creek drainage. This species is typically a Coastal Plain inhabitant.

Lepomis auritus (Linnaeus) Stations: 28(41), 30(2), 31 (9). The redbreast sunfish is common in the mainstream of the Lynches River, but none were collected in any other parts of the refoge. Local fishermen have indicated that this species is present in Black Creek on the refuge and Carolina Power and Light Company (1976) reported it downstream in Black Creek. It is peculiar that this species was not taken from Black Creek during this study since it is generally easily collected. L. auritus is probably the most important sport fish in the Lynches River, as it is in many Coastal Plaln streams. Redbreast are generally abundant in a wide variety of habitats in Atlantic Coast drainages.

Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus) Stations: 28(7), 30(1), 31(3), 36(1). The pumpkinseed was taken only in the Lynches River drainage although it has been collected in Black Creek downstream from the refuge (Carolina Power and Light Company 1976). !:_. gibbosus is· widely distributed in the eastern United States but is not common or large enough to be considered an important sport fish on the refuge. Lepomis gulosus (Cuvier)

Stations: 5(2), 12(1), 14(2), 25(3), 28(3), 36(1), 37(6), 38(4). The warmouth was found in al 1 major habitat types on the refuge (Table 1), but was generally uncommon except in ponds in the Lynches River drainage. Because of its relatively small size, it is not an important sport fish on the refuge.

This species Is widely distributed in the eastern United States, but is most common in backwaters of lowland creeks or oxbows with aquatic vegetation

(Pf 1 i eger 1971 ) .

Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque Stations: 3(10, 5(2), 11 (42), 13(1), 20(9), 21 (771), 24(7), 25(2), 27(5),

28(9)' 30(1)' 31 (1)' 36(1)' 37(6)' 38(30). Bluegill are widely distributed on the refuge, but most numerous in ponds.

This species is common throughout most of the eastern United States and has been widely introduced for sport fishing. Bluegill are important sport fish on the refuge, especially in ponds such as Lake Bee and Pool J.

Lepom is mar.g i natus (Holbrook) Stations: 1 (1), 3(6), 6(1), 10(3), ll (76), 13(20), 14(11), 15(10), 17(1), 20(18), 21 (100), 24(5), 25(15). The dollar sunfish is common to abundant in creeks and ponds in the Black Creek drainage but absent from the Lynches River drainage. This species is widely distributed in the Coastal Plain in .the southeastern United States but does not extend into the Piedmont. L. marginatus is generally too small to be considered a sport fish.

Lepomis microlophus (Gunther)

Station: 28(1).

One specimen of the redear sunfish was taken in the mainstream of the Lynches River. This speci.es is. native to th.e Mlssi:sstppi: Ri:ver bas;tn (Moore 19681 but has been widely i:ntroduced as· a sport fts:h.. StockJng records· indicate that L. microlophus has· been releas·ed i·nto s:everal ponds on the refuge (Pools.

A, C, and J; Martins Lake; Lake Bee; Lower Trtple Lakes; and Lake 17), out none were col Jected from these areas during this study, and none were observed in fishermens' creels.

Micropterus. salmoides (Lacepede)

Stations: 2(1), 3(4), 4(1), 5(5}, 11(4), 14(6), 17Cl), 21(4), 25(3), 26(1),

27(10), 28(1), 29(1), 30(2), 31(1), 37(2), 38(4).

The la.rgemouth bass is widely distributed in the refoge, and ls an important sport fish.

Pomoxis n igromacul <1tus (Lesueur)

Station: 31(1).

The black crappie was taken only i.n the mainstream of the Lynches River on the refuge. It is possible that it exists in Black Creek on the ref.uge since it has been reported from Lake Robinson (Carolina Power and Light Company 1976).

The preferred habitat of this species. is limnetlc regions of lakes or reservoirs.

Alth.ough the black crappie is a good sport fish, its rarity 1 imits its i·mportance on the refuge.

Elassoma zonatum Jordan

Stations: 2(8), J(20), 4(8), 11 (3), 15(1), 20(1), 21 (1).

The banded pygmy sunfish was found in creeks and ponds tn the Black Creek drain­ age. The preferred habitat was swamps or shallow backwaters in the floodplain of the creeks. This species is distributed in the Coastal Plain of the south­ eastern United States.

Elassoma sp.

Stations: 2(2), 3(5), 4(17), 11 (4), 13(1), 15(1). A pygmy sunfish of undetermined taxonomic status was taken in the Black Creek drainage. This form appears to be an undescribed species with characters inter- mediate between i_. evergladei Jordan and i_. zontaum. It is doubtful that this form is a hybrid because no i_. evergladei have been found on the refuge or near- by waters. The preferred habitat is swamps or shallow, quiet backwaters left after recession of flood waters. This form was often taken with E. zonatum. Since the taxonomic status and distribution of this form are uncertain, it should be regarded as a species of special concern and should be protected.

Etheostoma fus iforme (Girard)

Stations: I(!), 2(1), 3(2), 5(13), 10(2), 11 (I), 13(3), 14(9), 15(7), 21 (I),

22(1)' 23(20)' 24(2)' 25(72)' 30(1). The swamp darter is common in creeks and ponds in the Black Creek drainage, but rare in the Lynches River drainage.· This species is typically a Coastal Plain inhabitant, being found in still backwaters or swamps. The subspecies found on the refuge is E. f. barratti (Collette 1962).

Etheostoma olmstedi Storer

Stations: 2(1), 3(7), 4(3), 5(1), 28(43), 29(2), 30(37), 31(3). The tessellated darter was found in both the Black Creek and Lynches River drain- ages, but was most common in the Lynches River. E. olmstedi is widely dis- tributed in Atlantic Coast drainages. The subspecies found on the refuge is

E. o. maculaticeps (Cole 1967).

Etheostoma serriferum (Hubbs and Cannon)

Stations:• 2(2), 3(12), 4(3), 5(2), 7(3), .9(1), f0(3), 11(5), 14(14), 15(3),

17(3), 18(1), 21(1), 25(2), 27(6), 36(2).

The sawcheek darter was common in blackwater habitats in the refuge. This species is widely distributed in the Coastal Plain in Atlantic Coast drainages but is seldom found above the Fall Line (Collette 1962). Percina crassa (Jordan and Brayton)

Stations: 28(2), 30(2).

The Piedmont darter was found only in the mainstream of the Lynches River. J:.. crassa may also be present in the mainstream of Black Creek on the refuge because it has been taken downstream (Carolina Power and Light Company 1976); however, It generally inhabits swift gravel riffles in large streams, which are lacking In the Black Creek drainage on the refuge. The Piedmont darter is distributed in Atlantic Coast drainages from the Cape Fear to Santee (Menhinick et a 1. 1974; Loyacano 1975).

In addition to the species listed above, bowfin, Amia calva Linnaeus; flier,

Centrarchus macropterus (Lacepede); and white crappie, Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque possibly occur in Black Creek on the refuge since they have been recorded downstream in Lake Robinson (Carolina Power and Light Company 1976). Also, channel catfish, lctalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), have been introduced into Pools A, B, and Oxpen 3 (Ronnie Shell, pers. comm.) to provide an additional sport fishery resource in the refuge. The success of these intro­ ductions is doubtful since none were collected during this study or observed in fishermen's creels.

DISTRIBUTION RELATED TO DRAINAGES AND HABITAT TYPES Black Creek and Lynches River are both in the Pee Dee River drainage, yet striking differences in species composition exist between the two streams. Therefore, differences in species composition are the result of habitat differences more than geographical separation. lhe entire Black Creek drainage and those tributaries of the Lynches River sampled in this study, are Coastal Plain streams characterized by stained acidic waters. The mainstream of the Lynches River originates in the Piedmont Province in Union County, North Carolina, and represents an ecotone between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain in the vicinity

of the refuge.

The Black Creek drainage yielded primarily Coastal Plain forms. Streams

exhibited greater species richness (29 species) than impoundments (17 species), but densities were much higher in impoundments (Table 1). The stream communities were dominated by (in decreasi.ng order) Notropis. cummingsae, Fundulus I ineolatus, Lepomis marginatus, Enneacanthus chaetodon, and Gambusia affinis. lmpoundment collections were dominated by Gambusia affinis, Lepomis macrochirus, Fundulus I ineolatus, Lepomis marginatus, and Erimyzon sucetta.

The mainstream of the Lynches River displayed an "edge effect", having a mixture of Piedmont and Coastal Plain species, while the tributaries contained mainly. Coastal Plain forms. The Lynches River mainstream yielded 30 species, while tributary creeks and impoundments had 11 and 6 species, respectively. The mainstream was dominated by Notropis scepticus, Etheostoma olmstedi, !::!_. pyrrhomelas,

!::!_. niveus, and Lepomis auritus. !::!_. cummingsae was the only abundant species in tributary creeks. Gambusia affinis, !:.· macrochirus, and Fundulus lineolatus were the most abundant fishes in impoundments.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Threatened Species An apparently·undescribed species of Elassoma was taken in the Black Creek drainage. Since the taxonomic status and distribution of this form are still uncertain, it is regarded as a species of special concern. The preferred habitats are swamps or shallow, quiet backwaters in the floodplain of small creeks. This species is often associated with E. zontaum.

The mainstream of the Lynches River yielded three undescribed species of special interest. Two of these species·, the thin] ip chub (Hybops.i:s s:p.) and broadtai 1

madtom (Noturus sp.), are known in South Carolina only from specimens collected

in this study. The previous known ra.nge of both spedes was the Lumber and

Cape Fear drainages in North Carolina (Dr. Robert E. Jenkins, pers. comm.).

The thinl ip chub and broadtatl madtom appear to be restricted to the mainstream

of the Lynches River in South Carolina and should be regarded as threatened

species in the state. The other species, the Lumber chub (Serilotilus sp.), is

known in South Carolina only from the specimen taken in thi:s study and one other

collection (Ors. Carter R. Gilbert and F. F. Snelson, pers. comm.). Other

records of this species are known only from the upper Lumber drain.age in North

Carolina. Because of its rarity and apparently restricted ra.nge in South Carolina,

the Lumber chub should be classified as a species of special concern in the

state.

The refuge provides substantial protection for Elassoma sp_. because several

Black Creek tributaries on the refuge offer suitable habitat. The thinlip chub,

Lumb.er chub, and broadtail madtom are afforded negligible protection by the

refuge because the mainstream of the Lynches River flows adjacent to the refuge

boundary only for a short distance (Fig. 1). It is doubtful that the Lynches

River .tributaries on the refuge harbor s.ignificant populations, if any, of these

species becaus.e they do not provide suitable habitat.

It is recommended that stream alterations. be minimized in the Black Creek drain­

age so the habitat of EI as soma. sp. w i 11 not be destroyed. A1 so, the refuge

staff should officially discourage upstream in both Black Creek and Lynches River in order to assure high quality in these streams on the

refuge. This is especially important in the Lynches mainstream where the broadtai l madtom and thinl ip chub occur. Sport Fisheries

Sport fishing on the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is permitted only on the areas designated by signs as open to fishing. Chain pickerel, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass are the Important sport fishes on the refuge. The Importance of each species is determined by the size and abundance of the fish. Except for impoundments, the tributaries of Black Creek and the Lynches River are small and lack access, so they are of .little value to ; the sport fishery. The mainstream of Black Creek provides a fishery for chain pickerel and redbreast sunfish, but there are only three areas open to fishing. Ponds offer the best sport fishing on the refuge because of easy access and abundance of sport fishes. Most ponds have fishable populations of bluegill and largemouth bass. Also, chain pickerel are abundant in ponds in the Black Creek drainage. The mainstream of the Lynches River provides a good redbreast sunfish fishery but is not important as far as the refuge is concerned because the river flows adjacent to the refuge. No public access to the Lynches River is provided by the refuge.

Channel catfish and redear sunfish have been stocked in several ponds on the refuge, but none were collected or seen in the creels of fishermen during this study. It appears that stocking these species on the refuge has not enhanced the fishery.

Yellow bullheads are potentially a good sport fish on the refuge. They are generally common to abundant and attain good size (two specimens we.lghlng approximately (l.5 lb,0.9 kg) were collected from Lake Bee). Since they are native, no management activities are needed to sustain the fishery.

Five fishermen with fish in their creels were interviewed during this study.

Catches included blu.egill, chain pickerel, and largemouth bass, in decreasing order of abundance. It appears that the refuge is not being ut i 1i zed to its potential as a sport fishery resource; however, it is doubtful that increased emphasis should be placed on sport fisheries on the refuge. Management practices such as constructing more fishing ponds or opening more access points would alter habitats and increase encroachment of man on the refuge, and thus reduce the area of natural habitat for other species being protected on the refuge. Existing access areas are not being used to full capacity.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We wish to thank Marvin Hurdle, Refuge Manager, for providing the opportunity to conduct this study. We also thank Ronnie Shel 1, Assistant Refuge Manager, for the information he provided and accompanying us on some of the collections. John Garton and Ben Sill aided in some of the collections, and.John Garton reviewed the manuscript. Carter R. Gilbert, University of Florida; Robert E. Jenkins, Roanoke College; and Frankl in F. Snelson, Florida Technological University provided unpublished informat·ion regarding the undescribed species found on the refuge and/or confirmed their identifications. LITERATURE CITED

Bailey, R. M., J. E. Fitch, E. S. Herald, E. A. Lachner, C. C. Lindsey, C. R. Robins, and W. B. Scott. 1970. A 1 ist of common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. 3rd ed. Amer. Fish. Soc. Spec. Pub 1. 6. 150 pp. ·

Brown, J. L. 1958. Geographic variation in the southeastern populations of the cyprinodont fish Fundulus notti (Agassiz). Amer. Midi. Nat. 59(2): 477-488.

Carolina Power and Light Company. 1976. H. B. Robinson Steam Electric Plant 316demonstration. Vol. II. 238 pp.

Cole, C. F. 1967. A study of the eastern johnny darter, Ethostoma olmstedl Storer (Teleostei, Percldae). Chesapeaks Sci. 8(1): 28-5·1.

Collette, B. B. 1962. The swamp darters of the subgenus Hololepis (Pisces, Perci dae). Tulane Stud. Zool. 9: 115-211.

Crossman, E. J. 1962. The redfin pickerel, Esox ~ americanus, in North Carolina. Copeia 1962(1): 114-123.

Davis, J. R. and D. E. Louder. 1971. Life history and ecology of the cyprinid fish Notroyis petersoni in North Carolina waters. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 100(4 : 726-733,

Gibbs, R. H. 1963. Cyprinid fishes of the subgenus Cyprinel la of Notropis. The Notropis whipplei-analostanus-chloristius complex. Cop~ia 1963(3): 511-528.

Harrell, R. D. and D. G. Cloutman·. In press. Distribution and I ife history of the sandbar shiner, Notropis scepticus (Jordan and Gil be rt) (Pi sees: ). Copeia, 1978(3).

Hubbs, C. L. and E. C. Raney. 1948. Subspecies of Notropis altlpinnis, a cyprlnid fish of eastern United States. Occ. Pap. Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich. 506: 1-20.

1951; Status, subspecies, and variations of Notropis cummingsi, a cyprinid fish of the southeastern United States. Occ. Pap. Mus. Zoo!. Univ. Mich. 535: 1-25.

Jenkins, R. E., L. A. Revelle, and T. Zorach. 1975, Records of the blackbanded sunfish, Enneacanthus chaetodon, and comments on the southeastern Virginia freshwater ichthyofauna. Virginia J. Sci. 26(3): 128-134.

Lachner, E. A. and R. E. Jenkins. 1971. Systematics, distribution and evolution of the chub Nocomis Girard (Pisces, Cyprinidae) with descriptions of new species. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology. No. 85. 97 pp.

Loyacano, H. A., Jr. 1975. A 1 ist of freshwater fishes of South Carolina. South Carolina Agricultural Exp. Sta., Clemson Univ. Bull. 580.

and C. R. Gilbert. In press. Fishes. Proc. South Carolina ~~~~~~~~~ Symp. on Rare and Endangered Biota. Menhinick, E. F. 1975. Th.e fresbwater fi-shes of Nortb. Carol tna. Pres-s· of the Univ. North Carol lna at Ch.arlotte, Charlotte, N. C, 177 pp.

, T. M. Burton, and J. R. Batley. 1974. An annot

Moore, G. A. 1968. Fishes. ln W. Frank Blair et al. Vertebrates of th.e United States. McGraw-Htl 1, New Yo.rk. pp. 31-210,

Pflieger, W. L. 1971. A distributional study of Missouri fishes. Uni.v, Kansas Publ. Mus. Nat. Hist. 20(3): 225-570.

Randal 1, J. F. 1957. The distribution of the fishes of the Catawba- Wateree River drainage basin, North. Carolina and South Carolina, Ph .• D. thesis, University of South Carolina, Columbia. 291 pp.

Raney, E. C. 1947. Subspecies and breeding behavior of the cyprintd fish Notropis procne (Cope). Copeia 1974 (2): 103-109.

Rivas, L. R. 1966. The taxonomic status of the cyprtnodontid fish Fundulus notti and F. lineolatus, Copeia 1966(2): 353-354.

Swift, C. C. 1970. A review of the eastern North American cyprinid fishes of the Notropls texanus species group (subgenus Alburnops), with a definition of the su_bgenus Hydrophlox, and materials for a revislon of the subgenus Alburnops. Ph.D. thesis, Florida State University, Tallahassee.. 476 pp.

Taylor, W. R. 1969. A revision of the catfish genus Noturus Rafinesque, with an analysis of higher groups in the lctaluridae. U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull. 282: 1-315. Pls. 1-21.

USDI, Fish and Wildlife Service. 1968. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. Refuge Leaflet 547.

Welsh, W. W. 1916. Notes of the fishes of the Pee Dee River basin, North and South Carolina. Copeia, 1916 (33): 54-56.

Woods, L. P., and R. F. Inger. 1957. The cave, spring, and swamp fishes of the family Amplyopsidae of central and eastern United States, Amer. Midl. Nat. 58(1): 232-256.

Yerger, R. W., and K. Relyea. 1968. The flatheaded bullheads (Pisces: lctaluridae) of the southeastern United States and a new species of lctalurus from the Gulf Coast. Copeia 1968(2): 361-384. w.1~1.t~ i2e~..-i.J.- '. Fa,,;t. S:4wd\

The Fishes of the'Carol ina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

Progress Report: 30 June 1977 Permit Numbers: 1-1976; 0098-77, and 0099-77 (SCWMRD) Issued to: Larry L. Olmsted and Donald G. Cloutman

During the previous six months, emphasis was placed on collecting in the Lynches River drainage, with six collections being made. Two species, Hybognathus regius (Eastern silvery minnow) and Pomoxis nigromaculatus (black crappie), were added to the list of species known to occur on the refuge (Table 1). A minimal amount of field work is anticipated during the next six months with the majority of effort being spent on writing the final report. If any stocking or rotenone surveys are planned for the refuge during the next six months, we would like to observe or take part in these operations. Please inform us of any plans of this nature.

~to~ Larry L. Olmsted

Donald G, Cloutman Table 1: Number of f I shes collected in the Carolina Sandhllls National Wildlife Refuge--1976 through June 1977.

Black Creek Drainage lynches Rtver Drainage

Ponds ~ £'.pnds Creeks Mainstream Leplsosteus osseus* 0 0 0 0 0 Amla calva* 0 0 0 0 0 Anguilla rostrata 0 1 0 0 0 Umbra pygmaea 0 25 0 5 0 Esox amer I can us 3 23 0 1 D Esox nlger 31 44 0 1 D Hybognathus reglus D 0 0 0 5 Hybopsls sp. n. D 0 D 0 51 Nocoml s leptocepha 1us 0 0 0 0 8 Notemlgonus crysol~ucas D 4 0 0 0 Notropls altlpinnls D 0 0 0 13 Notropis analostanus D 0 0 0 48 Notropis chalybae.us 0 4 D 1 0 Notropis cummlngsae 0 445 0 82 9 Notropis rdvei.:s 0 -0 0 0 85 Notropls petersoni 0 0 0 0 9 No trap is procne 0 0 0 0 25 Notropls pyrrhomelas 0 2 D 0 .98 Notropls sceptlcus 0 0 0 0 140 Semotllus sp. n. 0 0 0 0 I Erimyzon oblongus 0 2 0 0. 0 Erlmyzon sucetta 121 32 0 0 0 Minytrema melanops 0 II 0 0 I Moxostoma -an i surum 0 0 0 0 2 lctalurus cat us 0 0 0 0 I lctalurus natal ls 9 ID I 3 3 lctalurus platycephalus Q. 0 0 0 3 lctalurus punctatus* 0 0 D 0 0 Noturus gy,rlnus 0 21 0 0 I Noturus lnslgnis 0 15 0 0 I Noturus sp. 0 0 0 0 I Chologaster '"cornuta 0 14 0 0 0 Aphredoderus sayanLJS 59 63 ·o 2 6 Fundu l us 1 lneolatus 213 139 22 3 0 Gambusia afflnls 842 98 81 4 26 Acantharchus pomot Is 2 I D 0 0 Centrarchus macropterus* 0 0 0 0 0 Enneacanthus chaetodon I 00 109 D 0 D Enneacanthus glorlosus 86 72 0 0 D Enneacanth-us obesus* 0 0 0 0 0 Lepomls aurltus 0 0 0 0 51 Lepomls glbbosus 0 0 0 I I 0 Lep·amls gulosus 3 5 I 0 l 3 Lepomis macrochirus 791., 49 32 I ll · Lepomi s marglnatus 138 129 0 0 0 Lepomis mlcrolophus 0 0 0 0 I Micropterus salmoides 15 18 6 0 5 Pomoxls nlgromaculatus 0 0 D 0 I Elassoma sp. n. 0 30 0 0 0 Elassoma ;zonatum 0 37 D 0 0 Etheostoma fus I forme 96 39 0 0 I Etheostoma olmstedi. 0 12 0 'i'4- () ..,.. "? '( Etheostoma serriferum 10 18 D 2 0 Percina crassa 0 o· 0 0 3

Total 2522 1505 152 :lil" 1160 I o?

Species known t<) oCcur In the Sandhills _region 1 but not taken in this study.