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Turbidity reduces hatching success in Threatened Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)

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Abstract

Turbidity, and associated sedimentation, is increasing in aquatic ecosystems globally and is thought to be a major driver of aquatic biodiversity loss. In this study, hatching success of Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), a Threatened species in Canada, is reported for eggs held under clear and turbid conditions. Spotted Gar embryos were held in either clear or mildly turbid water (∼5 NTU). Fertilized eggs held in turbid water exhibited a final 24 % reduction in hatching success by the end of the hatching period. Turbidity is identified as a potential threat for this species in Canada. The decrease in hatching success found here indicates that this early life history stage is particularly vulnerable to disturbance by turbidity and sedimentation.

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Acknowledgments

We thank A. Ferrara and Q. Fontenot (Nicholls State University) for providing Spotted Gar embryos; L. McDonnell, J. Hunter, K. Gong, E. Chan, K. Wiens for maintaining the eggs and experimental set-up. This project was approved by the McGill University Animal Care Committee (Protocol # 5889) and the Quebec SEG Permit (2010-03-08-1080-16-SP), and partially funded by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans Species at Risk Program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Ave, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 1B1

    Suzanne M. Gray & Lauren J. Chapman

  2. Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, 10460, USA

    Lauren J. Chapman

  3. Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, Canada, L7R 4A6

    Nicholas E. Mandrak

Authors
  1. Suzanne M. Gray
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  2. Lauren J. Chapman
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  3. Nicholas E. Mandrak
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Correspondence to Suzanne M. Gray.

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Gray, S.M., Chapman, L.J. & Mandrak, N.E. Turbidity reduces hatching success in Threatened Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus). Environ Biol Fish 94, 689–694 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-012-9999-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-012-9999-z

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