DOCSLIB.ORG

Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Freshwater Fish

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Freshwater Fish cintro.qxd 11/7/03 10:11 AM Page 1 • • • • Introduction his guide is derived from the widely praised and award-winning vol- ume Ken Schultz’s Fishing Encyclopedia. Weighing nearly 10 pounds T and containing 1,916 pages of information in an 8.5- by 11-inch for- mat, it is hardly a book that can be taken afield or casually perused. Among the many virtues of the encyclopedia is its detailed information about prey and predator species worldwide, which many people—including numerous lure designers, scientific researchers, and anglers—find very valu- able and which is available nowhere else. To make it easier for people inter- ested in the major North American fish species to reference this subject matter, that portion of the encyclopedia was excerpted into two compact and portable guides, Ken Schultz’s Field Guide to Freshwater Fish and Ken Schultz’s Field Guide to Saltwater Fish. These books are primarily intended for the angler, placing major empha- sis on gamefish species (nearly 260) sought in the fresh- and saltwaters of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and on the prey species that most gamefish use for forage. Although many hundreds of species are included here, such compact books lack room for detailed information about many of the lesser species; however, they are well represented in the information that exists under certain groupings. For example, there are more than 300 species of “minnows” in North America, and much of what is said about them as a group in the freshwater guide pertains to the majority of individ- uals. Profiles are provided, nonetheless, of some of the more prominent members of this group. The same is true for some larger, more well-known groups of fish, like sharks. There are at least 370 species of sharks worldwide and dozens in North America. The saltwater guide provides an overview of this group, as well as specific information about the most prominent North American members. And, of course, color illustrations help identify the individual species profiled. There is a slight but deliberate content overlap in both books, as some species occur in both freshwater and saltwater. This is primarily true for anadromous fish like salmon, shad, and striped bass. However, a few salt- water species, such as snook, mullet, and ladyfish, are known to move into freshwater for part of their lives, even though they are not technically anadromous, and thus are also represented in both volumes. In this sense, 1 cintro.qxd 11/7/03 10:11 AM Page 2 certain species were included in both books for practical reasons, as opposed to purely scientific ones. At the end of the book is a glossary that explains the terms used in the species profiles, and following this introduction are two chapters of infor- mation invaluable to anyone who desires to know more about fish in a broad general sense. The Overview and the Fish Anatomy chapters are writ- ten in layman’s terms and provide concise information about fish that is use- ful to the angler, the naturalist, and even the aquarium hobbyist—all of whom share a passion and a concern for some of the most remarkable crea- tures on the planet. 2 Introduction cintro.qxd 11/7/03 10:11 AM Page 3 • • • • An Overview of Fish FISH The term “fish” is applied to a class of animals that includes some 21,000 extremely diverse species. Fish can be roughly defined (and there are a few exceptions) as cold-blooded creatures that have backbones, live in water, and have gills. The gills enable fish to “breathe” underwater, without draw- ing oxygen from the atmosphere. This is the primary difference between fish and all other vertebrates. Although such vertebrates as whales and turtles live in water, they cannot breathe underwater. No other vertebrate but the fish is able to live without breathing air. One family of fish, the lungfish, is able to breathe air when mature and actually loses its functional gills. Another family of fish, the tuna, is considered warm-blooded by many people, but the tuna is an exception. Fish are divided into four groups: the hagfish, the lampreys, cartilaginous fish, and bony fish. The hagfish and the lampreys lack jaws, and as such, they form the group called jawless fish; the cartilaginous fish and the bony fish have jaws. The bony fish are by far the most common, making up more than 95 percent of the world’s fish species. Cartilaginous fish, including sharks, rays, and skates, are the second largest group, numbering some 700 species. There are 32 species of hagfish and 40 species of lampreys. Overview Body of the fish. The body of a fish is particularly adapted to aquatic life. The body is equipped with fins for the purpose of locomotion. Scales and mucus protect the body and keep it streamlined. The skeleton features a long back- bone that can produce the side-to-side movements needed for forward propulsion in water. Since water is 800 times more dense than air, fish must be extremely strong to move in their environment. Fish respond to this con- dition by being mostly muscle. Thus, muscles make up 40 to 65 percent of a fish’s body weight. Many fish have air or gas bladders (sometimes called swim bladders), which allow them to float at their desired depth. Fish also have gills, their underwater breathing apparatus, located in the head. Most fish have only one gill cover, although some, like sharks, have gill slits, some as many as seven. The gills are the most fragile part of the fish; anglers should avoid touching the gills on fish that they plan on releasing. The limbs of fish come in the form of fins. A fin is a membrane that extends from the body of the fish and is supported by spines or rays. Because the number of rays is usually constant within a species, a ray count is often 3 cintro.qxd 11/7/03 10:11 AM Page 4 used by scientists to determine the species of a fish. Each of the fins on a fish has a name. Since these names are used in almost all descriptions of fish and are used in this book, it is worthwhile to become familiar with the different fin names. Moving from the head toward the tail, the first fins are the pectoral fins. The pectoral fins are used for balance and maneuvering in many species and in a few are used for propulsion. Further down the underside of the fish are the pelvic fins, located beneath the belly and used for balance. On the back of the fish is the dorsal fin. Some fish have more than one dorsal fin; in this case the dorsal fins are numbered, with the fin closest to the head called the first dorsal fin. Behind the dorsal fin on the top part of the fish there is occa- sionally a smaller, fleshy fin called the adipose fin. Back on the underside of the fish, behind the pelvic fins and the anus, is the anal fin. The final fin, usu- ally called the tail, is known scientifically as the caudal fin. The caudal fin is the most important fin for locomotion; by moving it from side to side, a fish is able to gather forward momentum. The scales of a fish form the main protection for the body. Fish scales are kept for the entire life of a fish; as a fish grows, the scales get larger, rather than growing anew. Scales are divided into several types. Most fish have ctenoid or cycloid scales. Ctenoid scales are serrated on one edge and feel rough when rubbed the wrong way (largemouth bass have such scales). Cycloid scales are entirely smooth, like the scales of trout. More rare types of fish have different types of scales: Sharks have more primitive placoid scales, which are spiny; sturgeon have ganoid scales, which form armor ridges along parts of the body. Some species, like catfish, have no scales at all. Fish scales can be used to determine the age of a fish. A fish scale will develop rings showing annual growth, much like the rings of a tree. Many fish also have a covering of mucus that gives them a slimy feel. This covering helps streamline their body and prevent infections. The mucus covering will rub off onto a person’s hands (this is the slimy substance that you can feel on your hands after handling a fish). Since the loss of mucus is detrimental to the fish, it is better to wet your hands before handling a fish that will be released to minimize the amount of mucus removed, being care- ful not to harm a fish by holding it too tightly. The skeletal and muscular systems of fish work together to maximize swimming power. The serially repeated vertebrae and the muscle structure work together to create the shimmering, undulating muscle movements that allow a fish to move forward quickly. This structure is particularly evident in a filleted fish, where the muscles show themselves in their interlocking pat- tern. The muscular nature of fish is the reason why fish make such good eat- ing and is also a factor in making fish a high-yield food source. Bony fish have developed an organ called an air bladder, which acts as a kind of flotation device. A fish’s body is naturally a bit more dense than water, but the air bladder, filled with gas, increases a fish’s ability to float. Fish can change the depth at which they float by varying the amount of gas in 4 An Overview of Fish cintro.qxd 11/7/03 10:11 AM Page 5 their air bladder.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Dissertação Final.Pdf
    INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE PESQUISAS DA AMAZÔNIA – INPA PROGRAMA DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM BIOLOGIA DE ÁGUA DOCE E PESCA INTERIOR - BADPI CARACTERIZAÇÃO CITOGENÉTICA EM ESPÉCIES DE Cichla BLOCH & SCHNEIDER, 1801 (PERCIFORMES, CICHLIDAE) COM ÊNFASE NOS HÍBRIDOS INTERESPECÍFICOS JANICE MACHADO DE QUADROS MANAUS-AM 2019 JANICE MACHADO DE QUADROS CARACTERIZAÇÃO CITOGENÉTICA EM ESPÉCIES DE Cichla BLOCH & SCHNEIDER, 1801 (PERCIFORMES, CICHLIDAE) COM ÊNFASE NOS HÍBRIDOS INTERESPECÍFICOS ORIENTADORA: Eliana Feldberg, Dra. COORIENTADOR: Efrem Jorge Gondim Ferreira, Dr. Dissertação apresentada ao Programa de Pós- Graduação do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do título de Mestre em CIÊNCIAS BIOLÓGICAS, área de concentração Biologia de Água Doce e Pesca Interior. MANAUS-AM 2019 Ficha Catalográfica Q1c Quadros, Janice Machado de CARACTERIZAÇÃO CITOGENÉTICA EM ESPÉCIES DE Cichla BLOCH & SCHNEIDER, 1801 (PERCIFORMES, CICHLIDAE) COM ÊNFASE NOS HÍBRIDOS INTERESPECÍFICOS / Janice Machado de Quadros; orientadora Eliana Feldberg; coorientadora Efrem Ferreira. -- Manaus:[s.l], 2019. 56 f. Dissertação (Mestrado - Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Água Doce e Pesca Interior) -- Coordenação do Programa de Pós- Graduação, INPA, 2019. 1. Hibridação. 2. Tucunaré. 3. Heterocromatina. 4. FISH. 5. DNAr. I. Feldberg, Eliana, orient. II. Ferreira, Efrem, coorient. III. Título. CDD: 639.2 Sinopse: A fim de investigar a existência de híbridos entre espécies de Cichla, nós analisamos, por meio de técnicas de citogenética clássica e molecular indivíduos de C. monoculus, C. temensis, C. pinima, C. kelberi, C. piquiti, C. vazzoleri de diferentes locais da bacia amazônica e entre eles, três indivíduos foram considerados, morfologicamente, híbridos. Todos os indivíduos apresentaram 2n=48 cromossomos acrocêntricos. A heterocromatina foi encontrada preferencialmente em regiões centroméricas e terminais, com variações entre indivíduos de C.
    [Show full text]
  • North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Gordon Myers, Executive Director
    North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Gordon Myers, Executive Director March 1, 2016 Honorable Jimmy Dixon Honorable Chuck McGrady N.C. House of Representatives N.C. House of Representatives 300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 416B 300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 304 Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Senator Trudy Wade N.C. Senate 300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 521 Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Dear Honorables: I am submitting this report to the Environmental Review Committee in fulfillment of the requirements of Section 4.33 of Session Law 2015-286 (H765). As directed, this report includes a review of methods and criteria used by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission on the State protected animal list as defined in G.S. 113-331 and compares them to federal and state agencies in the region. This report also reviews North Carolina policies specific to introduced species along with determining recommendations for improvements to these policies among state and federally listed species as well as nonlisted animals. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact me by phone at (919) 707-0151 or via email at [email protected]. Sincerely, Gordon Myers Executive Director North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Report on Study Conducted Pursuant to S.L. 2015-286 To the Environmental Review Commission March 1, 2016 Section 4.33 of Session Law 2015-286 (H765) directed the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) to “review the methods and criteria by which it adds, removes, or changes the status of animals on the state protected animal list as defined in G.S.
    [Show full text]
  • United States National Museum Bulletin 282
    Cl>lAat;i<,<:>';i^;}Oit3Cl <a f^.S^ iVi^ 5' i ''*«0£Mi»«33'**^ SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION MUSEUM O F NATURAL HISTORY I NotUTus albater, new species, a female paratype, 63 mm. in standard length; UMMZ 102781, Missouri. (Courtesy Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan.) UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM BULLETIN 282 A Revision of the Catfish Genus Noturus Rafinesque^ With an Analysis of Higher Groups in the Ictaluridae WILLIAM RALPH TAYLOR Associate Curator, Division of Fishes SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION PRESS CITY OF WASHINGTON 1969 IV Publications of the United States National Museum The scientific publications of the United States National Museum include two series, Proceedings of the United States National Museum and United States National Museum Bulletin. In these series are published original articles and monographs dealing with the collections and work of the Museum and setting forth newly acquired facts in the fields of anthropology, biology, geology, history, and technology. Copies of each publication are distributed to libraries and scientific organizations and to specialists and others interested in the various subjects. The Proceedings, begun in 1878, are intended for the publication, in separate form, of shorter papers. These are gathered in volumes, octavo in size, with the publication date of each paper recorded in the table of contents of the volume. In the Bulletin series, the first of which was issued in 1875, appear longer, separate publications consisting of monographs (occasionally in several parts) and volumes in which are collected works on related subjects. Bulletins are either octavo or quarto in size, depending on the needs of the presentation. Since 1902, papers relating to the botanical collections of the Museum have been published in the Bulletin series under the heading Contributions from the United States National Herbarium.
    [Show full text]
  • Final Report Galveston Bay Invasive Animal Field Guide TCEQ Contract Number 582-8-84976
    Final Report Galveston Bay Invasive Animal Field Guide TCEQ Contract Number 582-8-84976 August 2010 Prepared For: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Galveston Bay Estuary Program 17041 El Camino Real, Ste. 210 Houston, Texas 77058 GBEP Project Manager Lindsey Lippert Prepared By: Geotechnology Research Institute (GTRI) Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) 4800 Research Forest Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77381 Principal Investigator Lisa A. Gonzalez [email protected] Prepared in Cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency The preparation of this report was financed through grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality www.galvbayinvasives.org Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary _______________________________________________________4 2 Introduction ______________________________________________________________5 3 Project Methodology _______________________________________________________6 3.1 Invasive Species Chosen for Inclusion______________________________________ 6 3.2 Data Collection and Database Creation _____________________________________ 6 3.3 Creation and Printing of the Field Guide ____________________________________ 6 3.4 Website Development __________________________________________________ 7 4 Project Results ____________________________________________________________7 4.1 Hard Copy, Field Guide Printing __________________________________________ 7 4.2 Website Use __________________________________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • C:\Fish\Eastern Sand Darter Sa.Wpd
    EASTERN SAND DARTER STATUS ASSESSMENT Prepared by: David Grandmaison and Joseph Mayasich Natural Resources Research Institute University of Minnesota 5013 Miller Trunk Highway Duluth, MN 55811-1442 and David Etnier Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Tennessee 569 Dabney Hall Knoxville, TN 37996-1610 Prepared for: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 1 Federal Drive Fort Snelling, MN 55111 January 2004 NRRI Technical Report No. NRRI/TR-2003/40 DISCLAIMER This document is a compilation of biological data and a description of past, present, and likely future threats to the eastern sand darter, Ammocrypta pellucida (Agassiz). It does not represent a decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on whether this taxon should be designated as a candidate species for listing as threatened or endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act. That decision will be made by the Service after reviewing this document; other relevant biological and threat data not included herein; and all relevant laws, regulations, and policies. The result of the decision will be posted on the Service's Region 3 Web site (refer to: http://midwest.fws.gov/eco_serv/endangrd/lists/concern.html). If designated as a candidate species, the taxon will subsequently be added to the Service's candidate species list that is periodically published in the Federal Register and posted on the World Wide Web (refer to: http://endangered.fws.gov/wildlife.html). Even if the taxon does not warrant candidate status it should benefit from the conservation recommendations that are contained in this document. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS DISCLAIMER...................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Dragonfly News 66
    Dragonfly News 66 The Magazine of the British Dragonfly Society Autumn 2014 www.british-dragonflies.org.uk Meet the new BDS Chairman, How many Willow Emeralds are David Chelmick ovipositing? Dragonfly hunting....in Sweden? Andy Holt’s unique larval portraits How tatty can a dragonfly be and still fly? Dragonfly News 66 The Magazine of the British Dragonfly Society Published twice a year, in April and October, Dragonfly News covers all aspects of the British Dragonfly Society’s field, recording, monitoring, research, conservation and social activities, as well as information from the wider dragonfly, natural history and conservation world. The emphasis is on dragonflies recorded in the UK. The British Dragonfly Society aims to promote and encourage the study, conservation and understanding of dragonflies and their natural habitats, especially in the UK, and to raise public awareness of dragonflies. Dragonfly News is edited & designed by: Trustees & Officers of the BDS Mark Tyrrell, 8 Warwick Close, Raunds, Chairman: David Chelmick Northants., NN9 6JH Tel. Vice-Chairman: Vacant e-mail: Secretary: Henry Curry, 23 Bowker Way, Whittlesey, Peterborough, PE7 1PY. Tel. Deadlines for inclusion of copy: Spring 31 January Treasurer: Brian Walker, 49 Roman Way, Wantage, Autumn 31 July Oxfordshire, OX12 9YF. Tel. Advertising Rates: Trustees: David Goddard, Stuart Irons, Mick Parfitt. £15 for small-ad (text only); £40 for quarter- Journal Editor: Peter Mill, 8 Cookridge Grove, LEEDS, page; £60 for half-page; £100 for full-page. LS16 7LH. Shop Manager: Lynn Curry, 23 Bowker Way, Whittlesey, Peterborough, PE7 1PY Tel. © British Dragonfly Society 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any Dragonfly Conservation Group (DCG) form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, Convenor: Dave Smallshire, 8, Twindle Beer, Chudleigh, Newton recording or otherwise, without the permission of the British Abbot, Devon, TQ13 0JP.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Sensitivity Index Guidelines Version 2.0
    NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS ORCA 115 Environmental Sensitivity Index Guidelines Version 2.0 October 1997 Seattle, Washington noaa NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION National Ocean Service Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and Assessment National Ocean Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. Department of Commerce The Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and Assessment (ORCA) provides decisionmakers comprehensive, scientific information on characteristics of the oceans, coastal areas, and estuaries of the United States of America. The information ranges from strategic, national assessments of coastal and estuarine environmental quality to real-time information for navigation or hazardous materials spill response. Through its National Status and Trends (NS&T) Program, ORCA uses uniform techniques to monitor toxic chemical contamination of bottom-feeding fish, mussels and oysters, and sediments at about 300 locations throughout the United States. A related NS&T Program of directed research examines the relationships between contaminant exposure and indicators of biological responses in fish and shellfish. Through the Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment Division (HAZMAT) Scientific Support Coordination program, ORCA provides critical scientific support for planning and responding to spills of oil or hazardous materials into coastal environments. Technical guidance includes spill trajectory predictions, chemical hazard analyses, and assessments of the sensitivity of marine and estuarine environments to spills. To fulfill the responsibilities of the Secretary of Commerce as a trustee for living marine resources, HAZMAT’s Coastal Resource Coordination program provides technical support to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during all phases of the remedial process to protect the environment and restore natural resources at hundreds of waste sites each year.
    [Show full text]
  • B4683 NRTR.Pdf
    NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT Replace Bridge No. 20 on SR-1152 over South Deep Creek Yadkin County, North Carolina TIP B-4683 Federal Aid Project No. BRZ-1152(12) WBS Element No. 38466.1.FD2 THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Project Development and Environmental Analysis Unit Natural Environment Section June 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 1 2.0 METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS ...................................................... 1 3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 2 3.1 Soils ...................................................................................................................................... 2 3.2 Water Resources ................................................................................................................. 2 4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES .............................................................................................. 3 4.1 Terrestrial Communities .................................................................................................... 3 4.1.1 Maintained/Disturbed ..................................................................................................... 3 4.1.2 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont Subtype) ..................................................... 3 4.1.3 Piedmont Alluvial Forest ..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Fish Species of Saskatchewan
    Introduction From the shallow, nutrient -rich potholes of the prairies to the clear, cool rock -lined waters of our province’s north, Saskatchewan can boast over 50,000 fish-bearing bodies of water. Indeed, water accounts for about one-eighth, or 80,000 square kilometers, of this province’s total surface area. As numerous and varied as these waterbodies are, so too are the types of fish that inhabit them. In total, Saskatchewan is home to 67 different fish species from 16 separate taxonomic families. Of these 67, 58 are native to Saskatchewan while the remaining nine represent species that have either been introduced to our waters or have naturally extended their range into the province. Approximately one-third of the fish species found within Saskatchewan can be classed as sportfish. These are the fish commonly sought out by anglers and are the best known. The remaining two-thirds can be grouped as minnow or rough-fish species. The focus of this booklet is primarily on the sportfish of Saskatchewan, but it also includes information about several rough-fish species as well. Descriptions provide information regarding the appearance of particular fish as well as habitat preferences and spawning and feeding behaviours. The individual species range maps are subject to change due to natural range extensions and recessions or because of changes in fisheries management. "...I shall stay him no longer than to wish him a rainy evening to read this following Discourse; and that, if he be an honest Angler, the east wind may never blow when he goes a -fishing." The Compleat Angler Izaak Walton, 1593-1683 This booklet was originally published by the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority with funds generated from the sale of angling licences and made available through the FISH AND WILDLIFE DEVELOPMENT FUND.
    [Show full text]
  • Information on the NCWRC's Scientific Council of Fishes Rare
    A Summary of the 2010 Reevaluation of Status Listings for Jeopardized Freshwater Fishes in North Carolina Submitted by Bryn H. Tracy North Carolina Division of Water Resources North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Raleigh, NC On behalf of the NCWRC’s Scientific Council of Fishes November 01, 2014 Bigeye Jumprock, Scartomyzon (Moxostoma) ariommum, State Threatened Photograph by Noel Burkhead and Robert Jenkins, courtesy of the Virginia Division of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Southeastern Fishes Council (http://www.sefishescouncil.org/). Table of Contents Page Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 3 2010 Reevaluation of Status Listings for Jeopardized Freshwater Fishes In North Carolina ........... 4 Summaries from the 2010 Reevaluation of Status Listings for Jeopardized Freshwater Fishes in North Carolina .......................................................................................................................... 12 Recent Activities of NCWRC’s Scientific Council of Fishes .................................................. 13 North Carolina’s Imperiled Fish Fauna, Part I, Ohio Lamprey .............................................. 14 North Carolina’s Imperiled Fish Fauna, Part II, “Atlantic” Highfin Carpsucker ...................... 17 North Carolina’s Imperiled Fish Fauna, Part III, Tennessee Darter ...................................... 20 North Carolina’s Imperiled Fish Fauna, Part
    [Show full text]
  • Endangered Species
    FEATURE: ENDANGERED SPECIES Conservation Status of Imperiled North American Freshwater and Diadromous Fishes ABSTRACT: This is the third compilation of imperiled (i.e., endangered, threatened, vulnerable) plus extinct freshwater and diadromous fishes of North America prepared by the American Fisheries Society’s Endangered Species Committee. Since the last revision in 1989, imperilment of inland fishes has increased substantially. This list includes 700 extant taxa representing 133 genera and 36 families, a 92% increase over the 364 listed in 1989. The increase reflects the addition of distinct populations, previously non-imperiled fishes, and recently described or discovered taxa. Approximately 39% of described fish species of the continent are imperiled. There are 230 vulnerable, 190 threatened, and 280 endangered extant taxa, and 61 taxa presumed extinct or extirpated from nature. Of those that were imperiled in 1989, most (89%) are the same or worse in conservation status; only 6% have improved in status, and 5% were delisted for various reasons. Habitat degradation and nonindigenous species are the main threats to at-risk fishes, many of which are restricted to small ranges. Documenting the diversity and status of rare fishes is a critical step in identifying and implementing appropriate actions necessary for their protection and management. Howard L. Jelks, Frank McCormick, Stephen J. Walsh, Joseph S. Nelson, Noel M. Burkhead, Steven P. Platania, Salvador Contreras-Balderas, Brady A. Porter, Edmundo Díaz-Pardo, Claude B. Renaud, Dean A. Hendrickson, Juan Jacobo Schmitter-Soto, John Lyons, Eric B. Taylor, and Nicholas E. Mandrak, Melvin L. Warren, Jr. Jelks, Walsh, and Burkhead are research McCormick is a biologist with the biologists with the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Aquatic Fish Report
    Aquatic Fish Report Acipenser fulvescens Lake St urgeon Class: Actinopterygii Order: Acipenseriformes Family: Acipenseridae Priority Score: 27 out of 100 Population Trend: Unknown Gobal Rank: G3G4 — Vulnerable (uncertain rank) State Rank: S2 — Imperiled in Arkansas Distribution Occurrence Records Ecoregions where the species occurs: Ozark Highlands Boston Mountains Ouachita Mountains Arkansas Valley South Central Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Acipenser fulvescens Lake Sturgeon 362 Aquatic Fish Report Ecobasins Mississippi River Alluvial Plain - Arkansas River Mississippi River Alluvial Plain - St. Francis River Mississippi River Alluvial Plain - White River Mississippi River Alluvial Plain (Lake Chicot) - Mississippi River Habitats Weight Natural Littoral: - Large Suitable Natural Pool: - Medium - Large Optimal Natural Shoal: - Medium - Large Obligate Problems Faced Threat: Biological alteration Source: Commercial harvest Threat: Biological alteration Source: Exotic species Threat: Biological alteration Source: Incidental take Threat: Habitat destruction Source: Channel alteration Threat: Hydrological alteration Source: Dam Data Gaps/Research Needs Continue to track incidental catches. Conservation Actions Importance Category Restore fish passage in dammed rivers. High Habitat Restoration/Improvement Restrict commercial harvest (Mississippi River High Population Management closed to harvest). Monitoring Strategies Monitor population distribution and abundance in large river faunal surveys in cooperation
    [Show full text]