Journal Article
Influence of PIT tags on growth and survival of Banded Sculpin (Cottus carolinae): Implications for endangered Grotto Sculpin (Cottus specus)
Fernholz, J. and Phelps, Q.E.
Record Number:
3182
Year:
2016
Journal:
Journal of Cave and Karst Studies
Pages:
139-143
Volume:
78
Abstract:
Abstract: To make appropriate restoration decisions, fisheries scientists must be
knowledgeable about life history, population dynamics, and ecological role of a species of
interest. However, acquisition of such information is considerably more challenging for
species with low abundance and that occupy difficult to sample habitats. One such species
that inhabits areas that are difficult to sample is the recently listed endangered, cave-dwelling
grotto sculpin, Cottus specus. To understand more about the grotto sculpin’s ecological
function and quantify its population demographics, a mark-recapture study is warranted.
However, the effects of PIT tagging on grotto sculpin are unknown, so a passive integrated
transponder (PIT) tagging study was performed. Banded sculpin, Cottus carolinae, were used
as a surrogate for grotto sculpin due to genetic and morphological similarities. Banded sculpin
were implanted with 8.3 3 1.4 mm and 12.0 3 2.15 mm PIT tags to determine tag retention
rates, growth, and mortality. Our results suggest sculpin species of the genus Cottus implanted
with 8.3 3 1.4 mm tags exhibited higher growth, survival, and tag retention rates than those
implanted with 12.032.15 mm tags. To this end, we recommend 8.331.4 mm PIT tags as a
feasible option for tagging adult sculpin (. 60 mm total length) with minimal impacts on
growth and mortality.
Times Cited:
3