Amy is a Fish Biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
Science and Products
Early Life History of Bighead, Silver, Black, and Grass Carps
Grass, bighead, black, and silver carps spawn in turbulent rivers and their eggs develop and hatch while drifting downriver. The larvae also have a short period of developing in the drift, and then they must swim from the river and find appropriate low- or no-flow nursery areas. Rivers which are not long enough, turbulent enough, or without nursery areas in the correct locations are not likely to...
Observations of survival and hatch of developing pallid sturgeon embryos in relation to experimental substrate and sediment cover
This dataset documents the number of normally developed hatched free embryos, abnormally developed hatched free embryos, and viable unhatched embryos from two laboratory trials (shovelnose sturgeon during April and pallid sturgeon during May 2016) in substrate conditions designed to simulate potential fates within a dynamic riverine environment. Trials were performed with substrate treatments that
Capture method, habitat, length, and diet items consumed by wild-caught black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the Mississippi River Basin, 2017-2019
An inventory (enumeration and taxonomic identification) of diet items consumed by wild-caught black carp, based on the examination of gut contents from fish that were collected in the lower Mississippi River drainage of the U.S.
Developmental stage and length of Pallid Sturgeon and Shovelnose Sturgeon free embryos reared at a constant temperature
This dataset documents the length and developmental stage of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon free embryos from the time of hatch through melanin plug expulsion (the approximate onset of exogenous feeding) reared in the laboratory at a constant temperature. Free embryos from 4 pallid sturgeon crosses and 7 shovelnose sturgeon crosses were reared separately in the laboratory at a mean temper
Swimming speeds of grass carp in response to turbulence
In this experimental series we studied the swimming capabilities and response of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) larvae to flow turbulence in a laboratory flume. We compared three different experimental configurations, representing in-stream obstructions commonly found in natural streams (e.g. a gravel bump, a single vertical cylinder, and patches of submerged rigid vegetation). Grass carp la
Asian carp eDNA and egg morphology data collected from Truman Reservoir tributaries, Missouri, USA, 2014
Ichthyoplankton tows samples collected from Truman reservoir tributaries evaluated for eDNA. Data also includes hydrologic and water quality parameters and morphology of grass carp eggs.
Survival and hydrodynamic behavior of grass carp eggs and larvae in relation to turbulence and in-stream obstructions
Data collected from a comprehensive set of hydrodynamic experiments conducted with live grass carp eggs and larvae, to evaluate drifting and swimming patterns with 3 different in-stream obstructions: (1) a gravel bump, (2) a single cylinder, and (3) submerged vegetation. The hydrodynamic behavior of eggs and larvae with each obstruction was continuously monitored for about 85 consecutive hours. Tr
Diet items consumed by wild-caught black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the U.S.
An inventory (enumeration and taxonomic identification) of diet items consumed by wild-caught black carp, based on the examination of gut contents from fish that were collected in the lower Mississippi River drainage of the U.S.
Survival and drifting patterns of grass carp eggs and larvae in response to interactions with flow and sediment in a laboratory flume
A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to better understand the behavior of grass carp eggs and larvae in moving water in order to develop and implement new strategies for control and prediction of their dispersal and drift at early life stages. Settling velocity and density of a representative sample of eggs were estimated, and three trials of flume experiments with different flow cond
Data for Comparison of Size, Terminal Fall Velocity, and Density of Bighead, Silver, and Grass Carp Eggs for use in Drift Modeling
Invasive Asian carps established in the United States spawn in turbulent water of rivers and their eggs and early larvae develop while drifting in the current. The eggs are slightly denser than water and are held in suspension by water turbulence. The eggs are believed to perish if they settle before hatching. It is thus possible to use egg drift modeling to assess the capability of a river to s
Filter Total Items: 21
The effects of substrate and sediment burial on survival of developing pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus) embryos
The shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) and endangered pallid sturgeon (S. albus) deposit demersal and adhesive eggs in swift currents, near or over coarse substrate. Hydrographic surveys have demonstrated the dynamic nature of spawning habitats and that coarse substrates may episodically be buried (partially or completely) by fine sediments. To evaluate embryo survival of both speci
Ontogenetic development of pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) from hatch through yolk absorption
Sturgeons have a complex free-embryo period extending from hatch to the initiation of exogenous feeding. Although available for some sturgeon species of the genus Acipenser, descriptions of the developmental stages of free embryos of the genus Scaphirhynchus are lacking. We characterised the ontogenetic development of pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus)
Emerging control strategies for integrated pest management of invasive carps
Invasive carps are ecologically and economically problematic fish species in many large river basins in the United States and pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems throughout much of North America. Four species of invasive carps: black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), are part
Invasive black carp as a reservoir host for the freshwater mollusk parasite Aspidogaster conchicola: Further evidence of mollusk consumption and implications for parasite dispersal
Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) has invaded the Mississippi River and is a potential threat to native mollusks. During prior diet research, we discovered that the fluke Aspidogaster conchicola, a mollusk parasite, occurs regularly in the gastrointestinal tract of Black Carp. The fluke remains in fish intestines for extended periods after the fish has consumed its host. Flukes were found in 33%
Grass carp reproduction in small tributaries of Truman Reservoir, Missouri: Implications for establishment in novel habitats
Substantial work has been conducted to estimate the river length required for recruitment of invasive Grass Carp and bigheaded carp; however, the distance upstream and size of stream required for spawning remain unclear. Adult Grass Carp are regularly captured in Truman Reservoir, Missouri although there have been only unconfirmed sightings of Silver Carp. Fertile diploid Grass Carp are used legal
Using turbulence to identify preferential areas for grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) larvae in streams: A laboratory study
In this experimental series, we studied the swimming capabilities and response of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) larvae to flow turbulence in a laboratory flume. We compared three different experimental configurations, representing in‐stream obstructions commonly found in natural streams (e.g., a gravel bump, a single vertical cylinder, and patches of submerged rigid vegetation). Grass carp
Identifying turbulence features hindering swimming capabilities of grass carp larvae (Ctenopharyngodon idella) through submerged vegetation
Aquatic vegetation can provide habitat and refuge for a variety of species in streams. However, the flow features generated by submerged patches of vegetation can also pose a challenge for fish larvae. We conducted a series of experiments with live grass carp larvae (starting ∼50 h post hatch) in a laboratory racetrack flume, using a submerged array of rigid cylinders to mimic vegetation. We used
Use of environmental DNA to detect grass carp spawning events
The timing and location of spawning events are important data for managers seeking to control invasive grass carp populations. Ichthyoplankton tows for grass carp eggs and larvae can be used to detect spawning events; however, these samples can be highly debris-laden, and are expensive and laborious to process. An alternative method, environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, has proven effective in det
Developmental ecomorphology of the epibranchial organ of the silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Silver carp regularly consume and digest particles of food as small as 5 μm. This ability drives their efficient consumption of phytoplankton and because they feed low on the food chain they have an important place in aquaculture worldwide. In North America, where they are considered invasive, silver carp deplete food resources for native species and in so doing occupy increased niche space. Here,
Physical characteristics and simulated transport of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon eggs
The imperiled pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and closely related, but more common, shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus) are believed to broadcast adhesive, demersal eggs in the current and over coarse substrate in turbid rivers of the North American midcontinent. It has been hypothesized that eggs settle immediately following fertilization, but field conditions preclude direct observation.
Influence of turbulence and in-stream structures on the transport and survival of grass carp eggs and larvae at various developmental stages
Understanding the response of grass carp to flow and turbulence regimes during early life stages is fundamental to monitoring and controlling their spread. A comprehensive set of hydrodynamic experiments was conducted with live grass carp eggs and larvae, to better understand their drifting and swimming patterns with 3 different in-stream obstructions: (1) a gravel bump, (2) a single cylinder, and
Survival and drifting patterns of grass carp eggs and larvae in response to interactions with flow and sediment in a laboratory flume
A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to better understand the behavior of grass carp eggs and larvae in moving water in order to develop and implement new strategies for control and prediction of their dispersal and drift at early life stages. Settling velocity and density of a representative sample of eggs were estimated, and three trials of flume experiments with different flow condi
Science and Products
- Science
Early Life History of Bighead, Silver, Black, and Grass Carps
Grass, bighead, black, and silver carps spawn in turbulent rivers and their eggs develop and hatch while drifting downriver. The larvae also have a short period of developing in the drift, and then they must swim from the river and find appropriate low- or no-flow nursery areas. Rivers which are not long enough, turbulent enough, or without nursery areas in the correct locations are not likely to... - Data
Observations of survival and hatch of developing pallid sturgeon embryos in relation to experimental substrate and sediment cover
This dataset documents the number of normally developed hatched free embryos, abnormally developed hatched free embryos, and viable unhatched embryos from two laboratory trials (shovelnose sturgeon during April and pallid sturgeon during May 2016) in substrate conditions designed to simulate potential fates within a dynamic riverine environment. Trials were performed with substrate treatments thatCapture method, habitat, length, and diet items consumed by wild-caught black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the Mississippi River Basin, 2017-2019
An inventory (enumeration and taxonomic identification) of diet items consumed by wild-caught black carp, based on the examination of gut contents from fish that were collected in the lower Mississippi River drainage of the U.S.Developmental stage and length of Pallid Sturgeon and Shovelnose Sturgeon free embryos reared at a constant temperature
This dataset documents the length and developmental stage of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon free embryos from the time of hatch through melanin plug expulsion (the approximate onset of exogenous feeding) reared in the laboratory at a constant temperature. Free embryos from 4 pallid sturgeon crosses and 7 shovelnose sturgeon crosses were reared separately in the laboratory at a mean temperSwimming speeds of grass carp in response to turbulence
In this experimental series we studied the swimming capabilities and response of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) larvae to flow turbulence in a laboratory flume. We compared three different experimental configurations, representing in-stream obstructions commonly found in natural streams (e.g. a gravel bump, a single vertical cylinder, and patches of submerged rigid vegetation). Grass carp laAsian carp eDNA and egg morphology data collected from Truman Reservoir tributaries, Missouri, USA, 2014
Ichthyoplankton tows samples collected from Truman reservoir tributaries evaluated for eDNA. Data also includes hydrologic and water quality parameters and morphology of grass carp eggs.Survival and hydrodynamic behavior of grass carp eggs and larvae in relation to turbulence and in-stream obstructions
Data collected from a comprehensive set of hydrodynamic experiments conducted with live grass carp eggs and larvae, to evaluate drifting and swimming patterns with 3 different in-stream obstructions: (1) a gravel bump, (2) a single cylinder, and (3) submerged vegetation. The hydrodynamic behavior of eggs and larvae with each obstruction was continuously monitored for about 85 consecutive hours. TrDiet items consumed by wild-caught black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the U.S.
An inventory (enumeration and taxonomic identification) of diet items consumed by wild-caught black carp, based on the examination of gut contents from fish that were collected in the lower Mississippi River drainage of the U.S.Survival and drifting patterns of grass carp eggs and larvae in response to interactions with flow and sediment in a laboratory flume
A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to better understand the behavior of grass carp eggs and larvae in moving water in order to develop and implement new strategies for control and prediction of their dispersal and drift at early life stages. Settling velocity and density of a representative sample of eggs were estimated, and three trials of flume experiments with different flow condData for Comparison of Size, Terminal Fall Velocity, and Density of Bighead, Silver, and Grass Carp Eggs for use in Drift Modeling
Invasive Asian carps established in the United States spawn in turbulent water of rivers and their eggs and early larvae develop while drifting in the current. The eggs are slightly denser than water and are held in suspension by water turbulence. The eggs are believed to perish if they settle before hatching. It is thus possible to use egg drift modeling to assess the capability of a river to s - Multimedia
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 21
The effects of substrate and sediment burial on survival of developing pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus) embryos
The shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) and endangered pallid sturgeon (S. albus) deposit demersal and adhesive eggs in swift currents, near or over coarse substrate. Hydrographic surveys have demonstrated the dynamic nature of spawning habitats and that coarse substrates may episodically be buried (partially or completely) by fine sediments. To evaluate embryo survival of both speciOntogenetic development of pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) from hatch through yolk absorption
Sturgeons have a complex free-embryo period extending from hatch to the initiation of exogenous feeding. Although available for some sturgeon species of the genus Acipenser, descriptions of the developmental stages of free embryos of the genus Scaphirhynchus are lacking. We characterised the ontogenetic development of pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus)Emerging control strategies for integrated pest management of invasive carps
Invasive carps are ecologically and economically problematic fish species in many large river basins in the United States and pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems throughout much of North America. Four species of invasive carps: black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), are partInvasive black carp as a reservoir host for the freshwater mollusk parasite Aspidogaster conchicola: Further evidence of mollusk consumption and implications for parasite dispersal
Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) has invaded the Mississippi River and is a potential threat to native mollusks. During prior diet research, we discovered that the fluke Aspidogaster conchicola, a mollusk parasite, occurs regularly in the gastrointestinal tract of Black Carp. The fluke remains in fish intestines for extended periods after the fish has consumed its host. Flukes were found in 33%Grass carp reproduction in small tributaries of Truman Reservoir, Missouri: Implications for establishment in novel habitats
Substantial work has been conducted to estimate the river length required for recruitment of invasive Grass Carp and bigheaded carp; however, the distance upstream and size of stream required for spawning remain unclear. Adult Grass Carp are regularly captured in Truman Reservoir, Missouri although there have been only unconfirmed sightings of Silver Carp. Fertile diploid Grass Carp are used legalUsing turbulence to identify preferential areas for grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) larvae in streams: A laboratory study
In this experimental series, we studied the swimming capabilities and response of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) larvae to flow turbulence in a laboratory flume. We compared three different experimental configurations, representing in‐stream obstructions commonly found in natural streams (e.g., a gravel bump, a single vertical cylinder, and patches of submerged rigid vegetation). Grass carpIdentifying turbulence features hindering swimming capabilities of grass carp larvae (Ctenopharyngodon idella) through submerged vegetation
Aquatic vegetation can provide habitat and refuge for a variety of species in streams. However, the flow features generated by submerged patches of vegetation can also pose a challenge for fish larvae. We conducted a series of experiments with live grass carp larvae (starting ∼50 h post hatch) in a laboratory racetrack flume, using a submerged array of rigid cylinders to mimic vegetation. We usedUse of environmental DNA to detect grass carp spawning events
The timing and location of spawning events are important data for managers seeking to control invasive grass carp populations. Ichthyoplankton tows for grass carp eggs and larvae can be used to detect spawning events; however, these samples can be highly debris-laden, and are expensive and laborious to process. An alternative method, environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, has proven effective in detDevelopmental ecomorphology of the epibranchial organ of the silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Silver carp regularly consume and digest particles of food as small as 5 μm. This ability drives their efficient consumption of phytoplankton and because they feed low on the food chain they have an important place in aquaculture worldwide. In North America, where they are considered invasive, silver carp deplete food resources for native species and in so doing occupy increased niche space. Here,Physical characteristics and simulated transport of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon eggs
The imperiled pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and closely related, but more common, shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus) are believed to broadcast adhesive, demersal eggs in the current and over coarse substrate in turbid rivers of the North American midcontinent. It has been hypothesized that eggs settle immediately following fertilization, but field conditions preclude direct observation.Influence of turbulence and in-stream structures on the transport and survival of grass carp eggs and larvae at various developmental stages
Understanding the response of grass carp to flow and turbulence regimes during early life stages is fundamental to monitoring and controlling their spread. A comprehensive set of hydrodynamic experiments was conducted with live grass carp eggs and larvae, to better understand their drifting and swimming patterns with 3 different in-stream obstructions: (1) a gravel bump, (2) a single cylinder, andSurvival and drifting patterns of grass carp eggs and larvae in response to interactions with flow and sediment in a laboratory flume
A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to better understand the behavior of grass carp eggs and larvae in moving water in order to develop and implement new strategies for control and prediction of their dispersal and drift at early life stages. Settling velocity and density of a representative sample of eggs were estimated, and three trials of flume experiments with different flow condi