Life History of the Warrior Darter ( Etheostoma bellator ) and Comparison with the Endangered Vermilion Darter ( Etheostoma chermocki )
2007; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 22; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1080/02705060.2007.9665043
ISSN2156-6941
AutoresJenjit Khudamrongsawat, Bernard R. Kuhajda,
Tópico(s)Fish Biology and Ecology Studies
ResumoABSTRACT The Warrior darter (Etheostoma bellator) is endemic to the Black Warrior River drainage (Mobile Basin) above the Fall Line in Alabama. Etheostoma bellator is a species complex, with the nominal form common and widespread, and includes a population in Gurley Creek in the lower Locust Fork in Blount County and Jefferson County, Alabama. Based on morphology and genetics, this population of Warrior darters has been identified as a potential surrogate for the federally endangered vermilion darter (E. chermocki), which is restricted to Turkey Creek, which is adjacent to Gurley Creek. Fresh collections of Warrior darters from November 2004 to June 2006 and museum collections were evaluated to determine life history characteristics. Standard length was significantly correlated with body mass and gonad mass. Males were larger than females, and the sex ratio (2:1) was in favor of females. Length frequency distribution and enumeration of otolith annuli revealed four age classes (0+ to 3+). Warrior darters matured at the end of the first year of life. Gonadosomatic index indicated reproduction occurred from March to June. Mean clutch size was 71 oocytes per female. The Warrior darter is an opportunistic benthic invertivore, predominantly consuming larval chironomids, tipulids, baetid mayflies, and glossosomatid and hydropsychid caddisflies. Diet breadth was greatest during warmer months and least during colder months. Based on current information, the Warrior darter appears to be the ideal surrogate for the endangered vermilion darter because both species share similar life history characteristics.
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