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Amy George

Amy is a Fish Biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.

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Embryonic grass carp

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...
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
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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...
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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
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

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.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

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
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

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
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center

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.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

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
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

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.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

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
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Ontogenetic changes in swimming speed of silver carp, bighead carp, and grass carp larvae-Data

We measured ontogenetic changes in routine and maximum swimming speeds of bighead, grass, and silver carp larvae. Daily measurements of routine swimming speed were taken for two weeks post-hatch using a still camera and the LARVEL program, a custom image-analysis software. Larval swimming speed was calculated using larval locations in subsequent image frames and time between images. Using an end
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

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
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
Image: Silver Carp Egg
Silver Carp Egg
Silver Carp Egg
Image: Silver Carp Egg

Silver Carp Egg

Silver Carp Egg

This image of a live silver carp egg specimen was taken with a microscope camera at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts if they become established.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Silver Carp Egg

Silver Carp Egg

Silver Carp Egg

This image of a live silver carp egg specimen was taken with a microscope camera at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts if they become established.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Silver Carp Larva
Silver Carp Larva
Silver Carp Larva
Image: Silver Carp Larva

Silver Carp Larva

Silver Carp Larva

This image of a live silver carp larva was taken with a microscope camera at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts if they become established.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Silver Carp Larva

Silver Carp Larva

Silver Carp Larva

This image of a live silver carp larva was taken with a microscope camera at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts if they become established.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Silver Carp Larvae
Silver Carp Larvae
Silver Carp Larvae
Image: Silver Carp Larvae

Silver Carp Larvae

Silver Carp Larvae

This image of live silver carp larvae was taken with a microscope camera at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts if they become established.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Silver Carp Larvae

Silver Carp Larvae

Silver Carp Larvae

This image of live silver carp larvae was taken with a microscope camera at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts if they become established.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Sturgeon Larva
Sturgeon Larva
Sturgeon Larva
Image: Sturgeon Larva

Sturgeon Larva

Sturgeon Larva

Sturgeon larva captured near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. 

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Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Sturgeon Larva

Sturgeon Larva

Sturgeon Larva

Sturgeon larva captured near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. 

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Black-and-White Larval Sturgeon
Black-and-White Larval Sturgeon
Black-and-White Larval Sturgeon
Image: Black-and-White Larval Sturgeon

Black-and-White Larval Sturgeon

Black-and-White Larval Sturgeon

Collected in the Lower Missouri River on May 20, 2011, near Arrow Rock, Missouri, this larval sturgeon is estimated to be one day old.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Black-and-White Larval Sturgeon

Black-and-White Larval Sturgeon

Black-and-White Larval Sturgeon

Collected in the Lower Missouri River on May 20, 2011, near Arrow Rock, Missouri, this larval sturgeon is estimated to be one day old.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Fairy Shrimp
Fairy Shrimp
Fairy Shrimp
Image: Fairy Shrimp

Fairy Shrimp

Fairy Shrimp

A rare occurrence in the Missouri River, this Branchiopod known as a fairy shrimp was caught during larval sampling efforts near Arrow Rock, MO, on May 24, 2011. 

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Fairy Shrimp

Fairy Shrimp

Fairy Shrimp

A rare occurrence in the Missouri River, this Branchiopod known as a fairy shrimp was caught during larval sampling efforts near Arrow Rock, MO, on May 24, 2011. 

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Sturgeon Larvae
Sturgeon Larvae
Sturgeon Larvae
Image: Sturgeon Larvae

Sturgeon Larvae

Sturgeon Larvae

A newly hatched probable sturgeon larvae captured near the spawning site of PLS09-011 in Nebraska.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Sturgeon Larvae

Sturgeon Larvae

Sturgeon Larvae

A newly hatched probable sturgeon larvae captured near the spawning site of PLS09-011 in Nebraska.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Filter Total Items: 22

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
Authors
Kimberly Chojnacki, Amy E. George, Aaron J. Delonay
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

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 Ctenopharyngodon idella and bigheaded carps (Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix); however, the distance upstream and size of stream required for spawning remain unclear. Adult Grass Carp are regularly captured in Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Missouri, alth
Authors
Cari-Ann Hayer, Michael F. Bayless, Catherine A. Richter, Amy E. George, Duane Chapman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Assessing the efficacy of oblique bubble screens for control of aquatic invasive species

Non-physical barriers, such as bubble screens (or curtains), are promising low-impact strategies to deter the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in streams. Bubble screens have been successfully implemented to redirect and/or deter adult fish and to capture plastics in some rivers, but their efficacy on invasive fish at multiple life stages (eggs, larvae, and adult fish) is not yet known. Ai
Authors
Vindhyawasini Prasad, Cory D. Suski, P. Ryan Jackson, Amy E. George, Duane Chapman, Jesse Robert Fischer, Rafael O. Tinoco
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center

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)
Authors
Kimberly Chojnacki, Marlene J Dodson, Amy E. George, James Candrl, Aaron J. Delonay
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

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
Authors
Rafael O. Tinoco, Andres F. Prada, Amy E. George, Benjamin H. Stahlschmidt, P. Ryan Jackson, Duane Chapman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

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
Authors
Aaron R. Cupp, Marybeth K. Brey, Robin Calfee, Duane Chapman, Richard A. Erickson, Jesse Robert Fischer, Andrea K. Fritts, Amy E. George, P. Ryan Jackson, Brent C. Knights, Gavin Nicholas Saari, Patrick Kočovský
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Great Lakes Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

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%
Authors
Barry C. Poulton, Jennifer Bailey, Patrick Kroboth, Amy E. George, Duane Chapman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

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
Authors
Andres F. Prada, Amy E. George, Benjamin H. Stahlschmidt, P. Ryan Jackson, Duane Chapman, Rafael O. Tinoco
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center

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
Authors
Cari-Ann Hayer, Michael F. Bayless, Amy E. George, Nathan Thompson, Catherine A. Richter, Duane Chapman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

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,
Authors
Karly E. Cohen, Amy E. George, Duane Chapman, John H. Chick, L. Patricia Hernandez
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center

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.
Authors
Kimberly Chojnacki, Susannah O. Erwin, Amy E. George, James Candrl, Robert B. Jacobson, Aaron J. Delonay
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

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
Authors
Andres F. Prada, Amy E. George, Benjamin H. Stahlschmidt, P. Ryan Jackson, Duane Chapman, Rafael O. Tinoco
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

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