Leo Nico, Ph.D. (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 55
Distribution and status of five non-native fish species in the Tampa Bay drainage (USA), a hot spot for fish introductions Distribution and status of five non-native fish species in the Tampa Bay drainage (USA), a hot spot for fish introductions
The Tampa Bay region of Florida (USA) is a hot spot for non-native freshwater fishes. However, published information on most non-native fishes in the basin is not current. Systematic sampling efforts targeting non-native fishes in the region were conducted from 2013–2015 by the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. Data from these recent surveys were analyzed, along with...
Authors
Katelyn M. Lawson, Quenton M. Tuckett, Jared L. Ritch, Leo Nico, Pam Fuller, Richard E. Matheson, Jeffrey E. Hill
Detection limits of quantitative and digital PCR assays and their influence in presence-absence surveys of environmental DNA Detection limits of quantitative and digital PCR assays and their influence in presence-absence surveys of environmental DNA
A set of universal guidelines is needed to determine the limit of detection (LOD) in PCR-based analyses of low concentration DNA. In particular, environmental DNA (eDNA) studies require sensitive and reliable methods to detect rare and cryptic species through shed genetic material in environmental samples. Current strategies for assessing detection limits of eDNA are either too stringent...
Authors
Margaret Hunter, Robert M. Dorazio, John S. Butterfield, Gaia Meigs-Friend, Leo Nico, Jason A. Ferrante
Evaluating the piscicide rotenone as an option for eradication of invasive Mozambique tilapia in a Hawaiian brackish-water wetland complex Evaluating the piscicide rotenone as an option for eradication of invasive Mozambique tilapia in a Hawaiian brackish-water wetland complex
Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus were recently discovered in ‘Aimakapā Fishpond, a 12-hectare brackish-water wetland complex in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, on the Island of Hawai’i. As a possible eradication method, we evaluated rotenone, a natural piscicide used in fish management and the active ingredient in plants traditionally used by indigenous Hawaiians for...
Authors
Leo Nico, Ronald A. Englund, Howard L. Jelks
Genetic analysis of invasive Asian Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the Mississippi River Basin: evidence for multiple introductions Genetic analysis of invasive Asian Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the Mississippi River Basin: evidence for multiple introductions
Invasive Asian Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) have been present in USA aquaculture facilities since the 1980s and wild Black Carp have been found in the Mississippi River Basin since the early 1990s. This study characterizes the genetic diversity and relatedness of the Basin’s Black Carp and clarifies the introduction history. Analyses focused on three mitochondrial markers (control...
Authors
Margaret E. Hunter, Leo G. Nico
One carp, two carp: are there more carp in the Wailoa River? One carp, two carp: are there more carp in the Wailoa River?
The February, 2015 issue of Hawaii Fishing News included the annual list of Hawai`i records for the largest fish of various species caught in the state. Among the new records was one for a 15-pound grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) caught by Avery Berido in the Wailoa River at Hilo on September 13, 2013. A photograph taken by Mr. Berido of the record grass carp garnered our attention...
Authors
Bruce C Mundy, Leo Nico, Annette Tagawa
Gnathostoma spinigerum in live Asian swamp eels (Monopterus spp.) from food markets and wild populations, United States Gnathostoma spinigerum in live Asian swamp eels (Monopterus spp.) from food markets and wild populations, United States
In Southeast Asia, swamp eels (Synbranchidae: Monopterus spp.) are a common source of human gnathostomiasis, a foodborne zoonosis caused by advanced third-stage larvae (AL3) of Gnathostoma spp. nematodes. Live Asian swamp eels are imported to US ethnic food markets, and wild populations exist in several states. To determine whether these eels are infected, we examined 47 eels from...
Authors
Rebecca A. Cole, Anindo Choudhury, Leo G. Nico, Kathryn M. Griffin
Non-USGS Publications**
Keevin, T.M., L.G. Nico, and D.C. Taphorn. 2015. Obituary: Jamie Edward Thomerson (1935-2015). Copeia 2015:1096-1101. (pdf available from author)
Nico, L.G. & S.J. Walsh. 2011. Nonindigenous freshwater fishes on tropical Pacific islands: a review of eradication efforts. Pages 97-107 in C. R. Veitch, M. N. Clout, and D. R. Towns, editors. Island Invasives: Eradication and Management. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Gland, Switzerland and Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity (CBB), Auckland, New Zealand.
Nico, L.G., H.L. Jelks, & T. Tuten. 2009. Non-Native suckermouth armored catfishes in Florida: Description of nest burrows and burrow colonies with assessment of shoreline conditions. Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Bulletin 9: 1-30. [Link]
Montaña, C.G., D.C. Taphorn, L.G. Nico, C.A. Lasso, O. León-Mata, A. Giraldo, O.M. Lasso-Alcalá, C. DoNascimiento, & N. Milani.2006. Lista de los peces identificados para la cuenca del río Ventuari. Apéndice 7) p 214- 223 in C.A. Lasso, J.C. Señaris, L.E. Alonsi, & A.L. Flores (editors). Rapid assessment of the biodiversity of the aquatic ecosystems of the Ventuari and its confluences with the Orinoco River, Amazonas State, Venezuela. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment 30. Conservation International, Washington, D.C.
Montaña, C.G., D.C. Taphorn, L.G. Nico, C.A. Lasso, O. León-Mata, A. Giraldo, O.M. Lasso-Alcalá, C. DoNascimiento, & N. Milani.2006. Lasso-Alcalá, O., DoNascimiento C., & Milani, N.bPeces del bajo río Ventuari: Resultados del Proyecto de Investigación Biocentro-FLASA-Terra Parima (Capítulo 8), p 123-128. in: Lasso, C., Señarìs, J., Alonso, L., & Flores, A. (Editores). Evaluación Rápida de la Biodiversidad de los Ecosistemas Acuáticos en la Confluencia de los ríos Orinoco y Ventuari, Estado Amazonas (Venezuela). Boletín RAP de Evaluación Biológica 30. Conservation International. Washington DC.
Montaña, C.G., D.C. Taphorn, L.G. Nico, C.A. Lasso, O. León-Mata, A. Giraldo, O. M. Lasso-Alcalá, C. DoNascimiento, & N. Milani.2005. Fishes of the Ventuari River drainage, Amazonas State, Venezuela: 1) results of investigation; and 2) list of fish species. Pages 123-128 and 214-223, in C.A. Lasso, J.C. Señaris, L.E. Alonsi, and A.L. Flores, (editors). Rapid assessment of the biodiversity of the aquatic ecosystems of the Ventuari and its confluences with the Orinoco River, Amazonas State, Venezuela. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment, volume 30. Conservation International, Washington, D.C.
Fuller, P., L.G. Nico, & J.D. Williams. 1999. Nonindigenous fishes introduced to inland waters of the United States. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 27. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 27, Bethesda, Maryland. 620 pp. [Link]
Nico, L.G., & J.E. Thomerson. 1989. Ecology, food habits and spatial interactions of Orinoco Basin annual killifish. Acta Biologica Venezuelica 12 (3-4): 106-120. (pdf available from Leo Nico)
Nico, L.G. 1989. Geographic distribution: Siren intermedia nettingi. SSAR Herpetological Review 20(1): 11.
Nico, L.G., & D.C. Taphorn. 1988. Food habits of piranhas in the low llanos of Venezuela. BioTropica 20(4): 311-321.
Nico, L.G., D.C. Taphorn & J.E. Thomerson. 1987. Limnological data on the habitat of annual fishes (Cyprinodontidae) in the Venezuelan Llanos with a key to fish identification. BioLlania 5: 129-144. (In Spanish.) (pdf available from author)
Nico, L.G., & D.C. Taphorn. 1986. Those bitin' fish from South America. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 34 (4): 24-27,30-34,36,40-41,56-57. (pdf available from author)
Nico, L.G., & D.C. Taphorn. 1985. Diet of Acestrorhynchus microlepis (Pisces: Characidae) in the low llanos of Venezuela. Copeia1985(3): 794-796.
Nico, L.G., & D.C. Taphorn. 1984. Biology of the tropical drum, Plagioscion squamosissimus, in the "Fernando Corrales" module of UNELLEZ, Apure State. Revista UNELLEZ de Ciencia y Tecnologia, No. 2, pp. 31-39. (In Spanish.)
Nico, L.G., & D.C. Taphorn. 1984. Limnology of Orinoco Basin annual killifish pools. Journal of the American Killifish Association, Technical Paper 24: 3-16.
Nico, L.G. 1983. Avian ecological investigation of the Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Final report submitted to Illinois Department of Conservation. i-iv + 80 p + 4 appendices. (pdf available from author)
Nico, L.G. 1981. Avian ecological investigation of Kaskaskia River Fish and Wildlife Area. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Final report submitted to Illinois Department of Conservation. i-iii + 72 pp. (pdf available from author)
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 55
Distribution and status of five non-native fish species in the Tampa Bay drainage (USA), a hot spot for fish introductions Distribution and status of five non-native fish species in the Tampa Bay drainage (USA), a hot spot for fish introductions
The Tampa Bay region of Florida (USA) is a hot spot for non-native freshwater fishes. However, published information on most non-native fishes in the basin is not current. Systematic sampling efforts targeting non-native fishes in the region were conducted from 2013–2015 by the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. Data from these recent surveys were analyzed, along with...
Authors
Katelyn M. Lawson, Quenton M. Tuckett, Jared L. Ritch, Leo Nico, Pam Fuller, Richard E. Matheson, Jeffrey E. Hill
Detection limits of quantitative and digital PCR assays and their influence in presence-absence surveys of environmental DNA Detection limits of quantitative and digital PCR assays and their influence in presence-absence surveys of environmental DNA
A set of universal guidelines is needed to determine the limit of detection (LOD) in PCR-based analyses of low concentration DNA. In particular, environmental DNA (eDNA) studies require sensitive and reliable methods to detect rare and cryptic species through shed genetic material in environmental samples. Current strategies for assessing detection limits of eDNA are either too stringent...
Authors
Margaret Hunter, Robert M. Dorazio, John S. Butterfield, Gaia Meigs-Friend, Leo Nico, Jason A. Ferrante
Evaluating the piscicide rotenone as an option for eradication of invasive Mozambique tilapia in a Hawaiian brackish-water wetland complex Evaluating the piscicide rotenone as an option for eradication of invasive Mozambique tilapia in a Hawaiian brackish-water wetland complex
Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus were recently discovered in ‘Aimakapā Fishpond, a 12-hectare brackish-water wetland complex in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, on the Island of Hawai’i. As a possible eradication method, we evaluated rotenone, a natural piscicide used in fish management and the active ingredient in plants traditionally used by indigenous Hawaiians for...
Authors
Leo Nico, Ronald A. Englund, Howard L. Jelks
Genetic analysis of invasive Asian Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the Mississippi River Basin: evidence for multiple introductions Genetic analysis of invasive Asian Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the Mississippi River Basin: evidence for multiple introductions
Invasive Asian Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) have been present in USA aquaculture facilities since the 1980s and wild Black Carp have been found in the Mississippi River Basin since the early 1990s. This study characterizes the genetic diversity and relatedness of the Basin’s Black Carp and clarifies the introduction history. Analyses focused on three mitochondrial markers (control...
Authors
Margaret E. Hunter, Leo G. Nico
One carp, two carp: are there more carp in the Wailoa River? One carp, two carp: are there more carp in the Wailoa River?
The February, 2015 issue of Hawaii Fishing News included the annual list of Hawai`i records for the largest fish of various species caught in the state. Among the new records was one for a 15-pound grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) caught by Avery Berido in the Wailoa River at Hilo on September 13, 2013. A photograph taken by Mr. Berido of the record grass carp garnered our attention...
Authors
Bruce C Mundy, Leo Nico, Annette Tagawa
Gnathostoma spinigerum in live Asian swamp eels (Monopterus spp.) from food markets and wild populations, United States Gnathostoma spinigerum in live Asian swamp eels (Monopterus spp.) from food markets and wild populations, United States
In Southeast Asia, swamp eels (Synbranchidae: Monopterus spp.) are a common source of human gnathostomiasis, a foodborne zoonosis caused by advanced third-stage larvae (AL3) of Gnathostoma spp. nematodes. Live Asian swamp eels are imported to US ethnic food markets, and wild populations exist in several states. To determine whether these eels are infected, we examined 47 eels from...
Authors
Rebecca A. Cole, Anindo Choudhury, Leo G. Nico, Kathryn M. Griffin
Non-USGS Publications**
Keevin, T.M., L.G. Nico, and D.C. Taphorn. 2015. Obituary: Jamie Edward Thomerson (1935-2015). Copeia 2015:1096-1101. (pdf available from author)
Nico, L.G. & S.J. Walsh. 2011. Nonindigenous freshwater fishes on tropical Pacific islands: a review of eradication efforts. Pages 97-107 in C. R. Veitch, M. N. Clout, and D. R. Towns, editors. Island Invasives: Eradication and Management. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Gland, Switzerland and Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity (CBB), Auckland, New Zealand.
Nico, L.G., H.L. Jelks, & T. Tuten. 2009. Non-Native suckermouth armored catfishes in Florida: Description of nest burrows and burrow colonies with assessment of shoreline conditions. Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Bulletin 9: 1-30. [Link]
Montaña, C.G., D.C. Taphorn, L.G. Nico, C.A. Lasso, O. León-Mata, A. Giraldo, O.M. Lasso-Alcalá, C. DoNascimiento, & N. Milani.2006. Lista de los peces identificados para la cuenca del río Ventuari. Apéndice 7) p 214- 223 in C.A. Lasso, J.C. Señaris, L.E. Alonsi, & A.L. Flores (editors). Rapid assessment of the biodiversity of the aquatic ecosystems of the Ventuari and its confluences with the Orinoco River, Amazonas State, Venezuela. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment 30. Conservation International, Washington, D.C.
Montaña, C.G., D.C. Taphorn, L.G. Nico, C.A. Lasso, O. León-Mata, A. Giraldo, O.M. Lasso-Alcalá, C. DoNascimiento, & N. Milani.2006. Lasso-Alcalá, O., DoNascimiento C., & Milani, N.bPeces del bajo río Ventuari: Resultados del Proyecto de Investigación Biocentro-FLASA-Terra Parima (Capítulo 8), p 123-128. in: Lasso, C., Señarìs, J., Alonso, L., & Flores, A. (Editores). Evaluación Rápida de la Biodiversidad de los Ecosistemas Acuáticos en la Confluencia de los ríos Orinoco y Ventuari, Estado Amazonas (Venezuela). Boletín RAP de Evaluación Biológica 30. Conservation International. Washington DC.
Montaña, C.G., D.C. Taphorn, L.G. Nico, C.A. Lasso, O. León-Mata, A. Giraldo, O. M. Lasso-Alcalá, C. DoNascimiento, & N. Milani.2005. Fishes of the Ventuari River drainage, Amazonas State, Venezuela: 1) results of investigation; and 2) list of fish species. Pages 123-128 and 214-223, in C.A. Lasso, J.C. Señaris, L.E. Alonsi, and A.L. Flores, (editors). Rapid assessment of the biodiversity of the aquatic ecosystems of the Ventuari and its confluences with the Orinoco River, Amazonas State, Venezuela. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment, volume 30. Conservation International, Washington, D.C.
Fuller, P., L.G. Nico, & J.D. Williams. 1999. Nonindigenous fishes introduced to inland waters of the United States. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 27. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 27, Bethesda, Maryland. 620 pp. [Link]
Nico, L.G., & J.E. Thomerson. 1989. Ecology, food habits and spatial interactions of Orinoco Basin annual killifish. Acta Biologica Venezuelica 12 (3-4): 106-120. (pdf available from Leo Nico)
Nico, L.G. 1989. Geographic distribution: Siren intermedia nettingi. SSAR Herpetological Review 20(1): 11.
Nico, L.G., & D.C. Taphorn. 1988. Food habits of piranhas in the low llanos of Venezuela. BioTropica 20(4): 311-321.
Nico, L.G., D.C. Taphorn & J.E. Thomerson. 1987. Limnological data on the habitat of annual fishes (Cyprinodontidae) in the Venezuelan Llanos with a key to fish identification. BioLlania 5: 129-144. (In Spanish.) (pdf available from author)
Nico, L.G., & D.C. Taphorn. 1986. Those bitin' fish from South America. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 34 (4): 24-27,30-34,36,40-41,56-57. (pdf available from author)
Nico, L.G., & D.C. Taphorn. 1985. Diet of Acestrorhynchus microlepis (Pisces: Characidae) in the low llanos of Venezuela. Copeia1985(3): 794-796.
Nico, L.G., & D.C. Taphorn. 1984. Biology of the tropical drum, Plagioscion squamosissimus, in the "Fernando Corrales" module of UNELLEZ, Apure State. Revista UNELLEZ de Ciencia y Tecnologia, No. 2, pp. 31-39. (In Spanish.)
Nico, L.G., & D.C. Taphorn. 1984. Limnology of Orinoco Basin annual killifish pools. Journal of the American Killifish Association, Technical Paper 24: 3-16.
Nico, L.G. 1983. Avian ecological investigation of the Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Final report submitted to Illinois Department of Conservation. i-iv + 80 p + 4 appendices. (pdf available from author)
Nico, L.G. 1981. Avian ecological investigation of Kaskaskia River Fish and Wildlife Area. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Final report submitted to Illinois Department of Conservation. i-iii + 72 pp. (pdf available from author)
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.