Article
Fisheries
Kathryn E. Mcbaine, Paul L. Angermeier, Eric M. Hallerman
Summary: The candy darter is an endangered non-game fish that has been extirpated from its historic range in Virginia and now exists in isolated populations in the New River drainage. Genetic analysis revealed low genetic variation and evidence of genetic bottlenecks in all populations. The genetic structure of the populations was related to their position in the river, indicating the populations were once connected. Habitat management and genetic exchange through translocations may be effective strategies for conserving the candy darter in Virginia.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
A. M. Janosik, J. M. Whitaker, C. E. Johnston
Summary: This study compares the phylogeography and population structure of Rock Darter in the Mobile River Basin. The results show genetic divergence between major rivers, potentially representing previously undescribed species. Limited gene flow was also observed between lower Tombigbee/Sipsey River populations and others. This study has important implications for establishing conservation guidelines for biodiversity in the Mobile River Basin.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel J. MacGuigan, Oliver D. Orr, Thomas J. Near
Summary: The history of riverine fish diversification is largely driven by geographic isolation, where physical barriers and genetic drift lead to speciation. The Johnny Darter (Etheostoma nigrum) species complex, which includes E. olmstedi, E. perlongum, and E. susanae, exhibits gene flow and conflicting species diversity inferences. By using genomic data and population genetic approaches, this study identifies and validates several evolutionary lineages within the complex, emphasizing the need for further research to describe its diversity. The phylogeographic structure within the complex is influenced by major geologic events and river basin rearrangements, making it a hotspot of freshwater biodiversity in eastern North America.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Kathryn E. McBaine, Eric M. Hallerman, Paul L. Angermeier
Summary: Direct and indirect measures of individual movement are important for understanding a species' resiliency to environmental change. This study used tags and DNA analysis to investigate the movement patterns and reproductive contribution of the endangered Candy Darter. The results showed that the species had larger movement distances and longer reproductive longevity than previously described.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Matthew R. Thomas, Rebecca E. Blanton, Ava Ghezelayagh, Thomas J. Near
Summary: The Kentucky Arrow Darter is a distinct species closely related to the E. sagitta and E. nianguae. It differs from E. sagitta in several morphological and genetic traits, and has been supported as a separate species based on meristic, morphometric, and genetic data. The species is threatened due to habitat degradation and water quality issues in the upper Kentucky basin.
BULLETIN OF THE PEABODY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Daniel J. MacGuigan, Christopher W. Hoagstrom, Sami Domisch, C. Darrin Hulsey, Thomas J. Near
Summary: Species delimitation is crucial for understanding the mechanisms behind biodiversity. Traditional alpha taxonomy relied on expert knowledge to describe new species, while DNA-based methods like the multispecies coalescent model (MSC) offer a more objective approach, though recent criticisms question their accuracy in certain situations.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Julia E. Wood, Richard C. Harrington, Zachariah D. Alley, Matthew R. Thomas, Jeffrey W. Simmons, Thomas J. Near
Summary: Etheostoma xanthovum, also known as the Clarks Darter, is a newly described species found only in the Clarks River drainage in Kentucky and Tennessee, USA. It was previously misidentified as Etheostoma oophylax based on its appearance. However, further molecular and genetic analyses confirm the distinctiveness of E. xanthovum as a separate species.
BULLETIN OF THE PEABODY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Victoria E. Restivo, Karen A. Kidd, Michael G. Surette, Mark R. Servos, Joanna Y. Wilson
Summary: The study found that the microbiome of fish gut content was altered downstream of WWTP effluent outfalls, potentially leading to negative health outcomes. Fish collected at different sites had distinct bacterial communities, with upstream samples dominant in Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, and downstream samples increasingly abundant in Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kayla M. Fast, Brook L. Fluker, Bernard R. Kuhajda, Patrick E. O'Neil, Stuart W. McGregor, Matthew S. Piteo, Michael W. Sandel
Summary: The southeastern United States is a hotspot of biodiversity, but small-stream-inhabiting fish such as the Trispot Darter (Etheostoma trisella) face population declines and genetic isolation due to destruction and fragmentation of their habitats. This study used genetic markers to evaluate the population structure and diversity of E. trisella. The results showed evidence of historical connectivity between populations, but recent isolation. Three distinct genetic groups were identified, corresponding to different geographic localities. The study also highlighted the importance of riverine isolation in structuring populations. Understanding the distribution and habitat occupancy of E. trisella populations is crucial for future conservation efforts.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karyn Robichaud, Paul M. Craig
Summary: Wastewater effluent is a stressor for aquatic organisms' metabolism. This study identified the presence of miRNA in darter mitochondria and predicted their role in regulating translation of mitochondrial genes. Experimental results confirmed the relationship between miRNA abundance and cytochrome c oxidase activity in darters.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Daniel R. Oliveira, Brendan N. Reid, Sarah W. Fitzpatrick
Summary: Genetic diversity is crucial for a species to adapt and withstand environmental pressures, with studies showing that sites with higher genetic variation are better equipped to handle stress. For species with limited dispersal, fragmented populations, and reduced genetic diversity, the lack of adaptive variation may lead to a higher risk of local extinction.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Jon M. Luiken, Tony Gamble, Peter B. Berendzen
Summary: This study compared the population genomic structure of rainbow darter in river networks with different glacial histories, revealing a lasting influence of historic glaciation on the genetic structure of populations. The populations in different environments displayed distinct genetic structures, with evidence of population expansion and colonization patterns following glacial retreat. These results emphasize the importance of considering geological and climatic history as well as the life history of organisms when interpreting spatial genetic patterns.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Christa R. Edwards, Timothy H. Bonner
Summary: Aquatic vegetation is important for aquatic habitats and fish communities. The federally listed fountain darter is associated with vegetation for feeding, reproduction, and refuge. This study quantified the occurrences and abundances of fountain darters in vegetated habitats. Fountain darters showed both obligate and facultative tendencies in their association with aquatic vegetation.
ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicole L. Gauvreau, Leslie M. Bragg, Hadi A. Dhiyebi, Mark R. Servos, Paul M. Craig
Summary: This study investigated the effects of WWTP effluent on four Etheostoma species in the Grand River, finding significant differences in antioxidant enzymes and tph between sites and sexes. Yearly, species, and sex differences in antioxidant responses were also observed. Further research on the impacts of CECs in effluent on non-target species is necessary to better understand the effects of WWTP effluent.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Carli M. M. Baum, Dana L. L. Winkelman, Ryan M. M. Fitzpatrick
Summary: Changes in water temperature, particularly during winter months, due to wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in the North American Great Plains can negatively affect reproductive cues and success of aquatic ectotherms, such as the johnny darter. Our study evaluated the effects of temperature and duration on reproductive success in the laboratory to inform water quality criteria for the South Platte River Basin.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2023)
