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Abstract
The Green River in Kentucky has high fish and macroinvertebrate diversity. As both fish and macroinvertebrates have evolved together in this system, symbiotic relationships have developed between species. One type of relationship that has been observed is between madtom catfish (Noturus spp.) and mussels in the Green River, as the madtom individuals use dead mussel shells as cover while not actively hunting. In the fall of 2016 and 2017, surveys were conducted to determine if madtom catfish prefer hiding under dead mussel shells or rocks of similar size. The data was collected at four separate sites along the Green River, each sampled per year. Three 12-meter by 12-meter plots were sampled at each site by snorkeling upstream searching for madtoms in the dead mussel shells and under the rock substrate. An equal amount of effort was used searching for madtoms under rocks and in mussel shells. Significantly more madtoms were found under mussel shells than under rocks of similar size. These results support the hypothesis tested in this study that madtoms prefer the cover of mussel shells rather than rocks. The decline of mussel populations, and resulting decline in available mussel shells in rivers and streams, may have negative effects on madtom populations in the future.

• Advisor(s) or Committee Chair: Dr. Philip Lienesch, Dr. Scott Grubbs, Dr. Chris Keller
  Disciplines: Aquaculture and Fisheries | Biology | Natural Resources and Conservation

ABSTRACT
Drought is a type of natural disorder characterized by a period of low level of can be divided into seasonal or supraseasonal, generating effects on water and aquatic communities. In this context, it is not known how fish species will respond to the long and continuous pressure of supra-seasonal drought. Therefore, the purpose of this work aimed to evaluate the influence of supraseasonal drought on the population attributes of Trachelyopteurs galeatus, testing the hypothesis that the population parameters varying with prolonged drought, represented by the reduction in water volume of the reservoir. The study area is located in the Apodi / Mossoró river basin, in the Santa Cruz-RN reservoir. At this location, quarterly collections were performed in the period from February 2010 to December 2017. To characterize the dynamics of the. Some attributes of this level of organization were estimated: weight-length relationship; monthly variation of gonadal maturation stages; first length maturation (L50); temporal variation in abundance (CPUEn) and biomass (CPUEb); temporal variation of Total Length (TC); Condition factor (K); and Index gonadosomatic (IGS). To verify the influence of supraseasonal drought on the population the same attributes were used as dependent variables and the water volume of the reservoir as an independent variable in general linear models. It was observed that in period studied, rainfall ranged from 0 mm to 582.4 mm, with May 2011 being the of greater accumulated precipitation. The reservoir water volume has continuously decreased, from 91.67% to 14.59%. Population dynamics responded negatively to drought above seasonal for some of the parameters (K and CT). In the estimated weight-length ratio for the population, negative allometric type growth was observed (b = 2.56). Most population is mature in all evaluated quarters, mainly females. The length of first maturation for grouped sexes was 9.75 cm, and for females the value was below and for males the value was 10.48 cm, but during the years. Many fluctuations were observed without any tendency (upward and downward). Therefore, there were positive responses to supra-seasonal drought, and adverse water conditions. of the reservoir does not seem to limit the species. The results presented corroborate with the hypothesis of this study, that is, the species Trachelyopterus galeatus seems to have responded to supraseasonal drought for some of the parameters evaluated (CPUEn, K, IGS, L50), which may be interpreted as plasticity in some of its population attributes.

RESUMO
A seca é um tipo de distúrbio natural caracterizada por um período de baixo nível de precipitação, podendo ser dividida em sazonal ou suprasazonal, gerando efeitos nos cursos hídricos e nas comunidades aquáticas. Nesse contexto, não se sabe como espécies de peixes responderão a pressão contínua e longa da seca supra sazonal. Portanto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a influência da seca suprasazonal nos atributos populacionais da espécie de peixe Trachelyopteurs galeatus, testando a hipótese de que os parâmetros populacionais estão variando em função da seca prolongada, representada pela redução do volume de água do reservatório. A área do estudo é localizada na bacia hidrográfica do rio Apodi/Mossoró, no reservatório de Santa Cruz-RN. Nesse local foram realizadas coletas trimestrais no período compreendido entre fevereiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2017. Para caracterizar a dinâmica populacional foram estimados alguns atributos desse nível de organização: relação pesocomprimento; variação mensal dos estádios de maturação gonadal; comprimento de primeira maturação (L50); variação temporal na abundância (CPUEn) e na biomassa (CPUEb); variação temporal de Comprimento Total (CT); Fator de condição (K); e Índice gonadossomático (IGS). Para verificar a influência da seca suprasazonal na população utilizou-se os mesmos atributos como variáveis dependentes e o volume de água do reservatório como variável independente em modelos lineares gerais. Observou-se que no período estudado, a precipitação variou entre 0 mm a 582,4 mm, sendo maio de 2011 o mês de maior precipitação acumulada. O volume de água do reservatório reduziu continuamente, passando de 91,67% para 14,59%. A dinâmica populacional respondeu negativamente a seca supra sazonal para alguns dos parâmetros (K e CT). Na relação peso-comprimento estimada para a população, observou-se crescimento do tipo alométrico negativo (b=2,56). A maioria da população encontra-se madura em todos os trimestres avaliados, principalmente as fêmeas. O comprimento de primeira maturação para sexos agrupados foi 9,75 cm, sendo que para fêmeas o valor foi abaixo e para machos o valor foi de 10,48 cm, porém durante os anos foram observadas muitas flutuações sem nenhuma tendência (de aumento e de diminuição). Portanto, ocorreram respostas positivas a seca supra sazonal, e as condições adversas da água do reservatório parece não limitar a espécie. Os resultados apresentados corroboram com a hipótese desse estudo, ou seja, a espécie Trachelyopterus galeatus parece ter respondido à seca suprasazonal para alguns dos parâmetros avaliados (CPUEn, K, IGS, L50), isso podendo ser interpretado como plasticidade em alguns de seus atributos populacionais

Abstract
Madtom catfish, members of the genus Noturus, are common in the waters of the Southeastern US. A previous study observed that madtoms in the Green River, Kentucky, preferred to shelter within old mussel shells compared to under or next to rocks. A laboratory study on the Carolina Madtom (Noturus furiosus), found that they did not utilize mussel shells and preferred rocks as cover. I conducted a similar laboratory study to determine which cover options the Mountain Madtoms (Noturus eleutherus) prefer. Cover preference was determined by offering the madtoms shelter options (rocks or mussel shells) in 10-gallon aquaria. After the animal had acclimated to the tank for 24 hours the tank was inspected, and the animal’s shelter choice recorded. I found that Mountain Madtoms selected to use the mussel shells over the rocks. Based on these results I conducted a second experiment to see if shell orientation impacted selection. I found that Mountain Madtoms preferred shell orientations with dorsal coverage to those without. Freshwater mussels are one of the most endangered taxa and are currently declining throughout their range. If madtoms rely on mussel shells for cover, the loss of freshwater mussels may cause a decrease in madtom populations within Kentucky waterways, negatively impacting the overall ecosystem.

Abstract:
Parotocinclus is a taxon composed of 24 described species of fish belonging to the Loricariidae family, included in the Order Siluriformes. Initially assigned as a monotypic subgenus of Hisonotus, it was later elevated to monophyletic gender status, whose diagnostic feature is the presence of an adipose fin. In recent work, it is considered a polyphyletic group, based on external morphological, osteological and molecular characteristics. Its distribution is concentrated mainly in coastal streams between Piauí and Santa Catarina, with almost half of the described species found in the Northeast region. Among the hydrographic basins in the region, the Paraguaçu River basin is the largest fully included in the State of Bahia and is marked by a strong endemism. In the present work, a taxonomic study of Parotocinclus from the Paraguaçu River basin was carried out, with the definition of the number of species present there, with the presentation of a brief taxonomic characterization and a key for their identification. Parotocinclus specimens collected between 2005 and 2011 were used for analysis and deposited at the Zoology Museum of the Federal University of Bahia. The identification and taxonomic description of the specimens were carried out based on characteristics of external morphology and color. The result of the study revealed the presence of four species of Parotocinclus: P. bahiensis, P. aff. prata, Parotocinclus sp. 1 and Parotocinclus sp. 2. Parotocinclus bahiensis is a species described with a typical locality in the Itapicuru River basin, and the other three species are not described. Prior to the present study, there were no known species of Parotocinclus endemic to the Paraguaçu River basin.

Abstract: Parotocinclus é um táxon composto por 24 espécies descritas de peixes pertencentes à família Loricariidae, inclusa na Ordem Siluriformes. Inicialmente atribuído como um subgênero monotípico de Hisonotus, foi posteriormente elevado ao status monofilético de gênero, cuja característica diagnóstica é a presença de nadadeira adiposa. Em trabalhos recentes, ele é considerado um grupo polifilético, com base em características morfológicas externas, osteológicas e moleculares. Sua distribuição concentra-se principalmente em riachos costeiros entre Piauí e Santa Catarina, sendo que quase a metade das espécies descritas encontram-se na região Nordeste. Dentre as bacias hidrográficas da região, a bacia do rio Paraguaçu é a maior totalmente inclusa no Estado da Bahia e é marcada por um forte endemismo. No presente trabalho, foi realizado um estudo taxonômico de Parotocinclus da bacia do rio Paraguaçu, com a definição do número de espécies ali presentes, com a apresentação de uma breve caracterização taxonômica e uma chave de identificação das mesmas. Foram utilizados para análise exemplares de Parotocinclus coletados entre 2005 e 2011 e depositados no Museu de Zoologia da Universidade Federal da Bahia. A identificação e descrição taxonômica dos exemplares foram realizadas com base em características de morfologia externa e de coloração. O resultado do estudo revelou a presença de quatro espécies de Parotocinclus: P. bahiensis, P. aff. prata, Parotocinclus sp. 1 e Parotocinclus sp. 2. Parotocinclus bahiensis é uma espécie descrita com localidade-tipo na bacia do rio Itapicuru, e as três demais espécies encontram-se não-descritas. Anterior ao presente estudo, não havia nenhuma espécie conhecida de Parotocinclus endêmica para a bacia do rio Paraguaçu.

Abstract
The Albino corydoras is a variation of the Bronze Corydoras that advanced through the aquarium trade. They tend to display a pale pink body with red eyes. The fact that these Albino corydoras are specifically bred for the commercial ornamental fish trade renders them blind as they are commonly injected with a bright red dye. Corydoras is a genus of freshwater catfish that belongs to the family Callichthyidae and the subfamily of Corydoradinae. Corydoras are small fish, estimating between 21-100mm and averaging at 57mm. The unique ability to use their body armor scales and sharp, commonly venomous spines allows them to protect themselves from predators. Alongside this, the Corydoras can self-poison when threatened, a common feature of many species of Corys, which enables them to deliver poisonous mucus from their gills causing surrounding fish to expeditiously die. The process of self-poisoning causes tremendous stress on the Corydoras, often resulting in death. This study focuses on the process of self-poisoning and insight into its reversal in Bronze Corydoras and Albino corydoras. The purpose of this study is to inform marine biologists and educate aquarium hobbyists on possible reversing mechanisms that could save the lives of many Corydoras.

The fish of the Callichthyidae family are highly demanded in the international market, constituting an important volume of the species that are exported by the commercial aquariums of the city of Iquitos. Parasitic diseases are very common affecting fish, highlighting nematode infections, which if not combated correctly can lead to the death of the fish. Currently there are no studies related to the treatment of species of the Callichthyidae family parasitized by intestinal nematodes, therefore the present study aims to evaluate different doses of Metronidazole and Albendazole to treat infections caused by Nematodes present in Corydoras virginiae. This study was carried out at the Peruvian Amazon Research Institute (IIAP) km 4.5 of the Iquitos - Nauta highway in the Parasitology and Aquaculture Health laboratory, with a duration of approximately 06 months, from (July 19 to July 21). December 2018). The fish were collected from the natural environment and collected by the AQUATRADE commercial aquarium to later be transferred to the IIAP Parasitology and Aquaculture Health Laboratory. An initial sample of analyzed fish revealed the presence of the nematode Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pintoi parasitizing the intestine of the C. virginiae specimens. Additionally, morphometric data were taken from male and female specimens of the parasite. Later, infected fish were selected and placed in experimental units to be subjected to different experiments using albendazole and metronidazole for their treatments. Four experiments were carried out: experiment 1. Efficacy of 5g of Albendazole and Metronidazole per kg of food, experiment 2. Efficacy of 10g of Albendazole and Metronidazole per kg of food, experiment 3. Efficacy of 20g of Albendazole and Metronidazole per kg of food and experiment 4. Efficacy of 25g of Albendazole and Metronidazole per kg of feed. Parasitic indices showed that albendazole and metronidazole are effective for the treatment of infections by the nematode P. (S.) pintoi, noting parasite reductions proportional to the days of treatment, in this sense, while the fish were more exposed to the treatment they were noted greater efficacy reflected in a reduction in parasitic prevalences.

RESUMEN
Los peces de la familia Callichthyidae son altamente demandados en el mercado internacional, constituyendo un volumen importante de las especies que son exportadas por los acuarios comerciales de la ciudad de Iquitos. Las enfermedades parasitarias son muy comunes afectando a los peces, destacando las infecciones por nemátodos, los cuales si no son combatidos correctamente pueden conllevar a la muerte de los peces. Actualmente no hay estudios relacionados con el tratamiento de especies de la familia Callichthyidae parasitadas por nemátodos intestinales por lo tanto el presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar diferentes dosis de Metronidazol y Albendazol para tratar infecciones causadas por Nemátodos presentes en Corydoras virginiae. El presente trabajo fue ejecutado en el Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonia Peruana (IIAP) km 4.5 de la carretera Iquitos - Nauta en el laboratorio de Parasitología y Sanidad Acuícola, con una duración de aproximadamente 06 meses, del (19 de julio al 21 de diciembre del 2018). Los peces fueron colectados del medio natural y acopiados por el acuario comercial AQUATRADE para luego ser trasladados al laboratorio de Parasitología y Sanidad Acuícola del IIAP. Una muestra inicial de peces analizados reveló la presencia del nemátodo Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pintoi parasitando el intestino de los ejemplares de C. virginiae. Adicionalmente, se tomaron datos morfométricos de ejemplares machos y hembras del parásito. Posteriormente, se seleccionaron a peces infectados y se colocaron en unidades experimentales para ser sometidos a diferentes experimentos utilizando albendazol y metronidazol para sus tratamientos. Cuatro experimentos fueron llevados a cabo: experimento 1. Eficacia de 5g de Albendazol y Metronidazol por kg de alimento, experimento 2. Eficacia de 10g de Albendazol y Metronidazol por kg de alimento, experimento 3. Eficacia de 20g de Albendazol y Metronidazol por kg de alimento y experimento 4. Eficacia de 25g de Albendazol y Metronidazol por kg de alimento. Los índices parasitarios demostraron que el albendazol y metronidazol son eficaces para el tratamiento de infecciones por el nemátodo P. (S.) pintoi, notándose reducciones parasitarias proporcionales a los días de tratamientos, en tal sentido, mientras los peces estuvieron más expuestos al tratamiento se notó mayor eficacia reflejada en una reducción de las prevalencias parasitarias.