Sponsor
Katherine Krynak, Ph. D
Ohio Northern University
Biological and Allied Health Sciences
k-krynak@onu.edu
Advisor(s)
Katherine Krynak, Ph. D
Ohio Northern University
Biological and Allied Health Sciences
k-krynak@onu.edu
Jane A. Lyons
Reserva Las Gralarias, Ecuador
jalyons593@gmail.com
Tim J. Krynak
Cleveland Metroparks
tjk@clevelandmetroparks.com
Kristy L. Becka
Cleveland Metroparks
klb@clevelandmetroparks.com
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
24-4-2020 9:00 AM
Abstract
Astroblepus are catfish native to South America. Little is known regarding their natural history although some species such as Astroblepus ubidiai are listed as critically endangered. To improve our knowledge of Astroblepus habitat preferences, stream characteristics were assessed using the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI). QHEI scores were hypothesized to be predictive of Astroblepus abundance. Five streams were sampled at Reserva Las Gralarias (RLG), Ecuador, a site known to have at least one species of Astroblepus. In addition to QHEI assessment, kicknet samples (1x1m2 plots, three replicates per site) were collected at each site to locate Astroblepus and to examine macroinvertebrate communities. Astroblepus were observed in two out of the five streams; both of these sites were assessed as having a QHEI score of ≥70. Macroinvertebrates at these sites included families typically found in high quality habitats. While conclusions are limited without increased sampling effort, Astroblepus sp. seem to inhabit high quality streams. Additional sampling is also necessary to identify the species of Astroblepus at RLG. Given the degree of population isolation of this mountainous region and morphological characteristics of the fish observed, it is likely that these species are undescribed, therefore future collections will be required for taxonomic assessment of these catfish.
Recommended Citation
Waggoner, Logan, "Habitat Assessment of the Andean Catfish (Astroblepus sp.) at Reserva Las Gralarias: Province of Pichincha, Ecuador" (2020). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 5.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2020/posters/5
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
Habitat Assessment of the Andean Catfish (Astroblepus sp.) at Reserva Las Gralarias: Province of Pichincha, Ecuador
Astroblepus are catfish native to South America. Little is known regarding their natural history although some species such as Astroblepus ubidiai are listed as critically endangered. To improve our knowledge of Astroblepus habitat preferences, stream characteristics were assessed using the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI). QHEI scores were hypothesized to be predictive of Astroblepus abundance. Five streams were sampled at Reserva Las Gralarias (RLG), Ecuador, a site known to have at least one species of Astroblepus. In addition to QHEI assessment, kicknet samples (1x1m2 plots, three replicates per site) were collected at each site to locate Astroblepus and to examine macroinvertebrate communities. Astroblepus were observed in two out of the five streams; both of these sites were assessed as having a QHEI score of ≥70. Macroinvertebrates at these sites included families typically found in high quality habitats. While conclusions are limited without increased sampling effort, Astroblepus sp. seem to inhabit high quality streams. Additional sampling is also necessary to identify the species of Astroblepus at RLG. Given the degree of population isolation of this mountainous region and morphological characteristics of the fish observed, it is likely that these species are undescribed, therefore future collections will be required for taxonomic assessment of these catfish.