Leo Nico, Ph.D. (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 55
Validation of eDNA surveillance sensitivity for detection of Asian carps in controlled and field experiments
In many North American rivers, populations of multiple species of non-native cyprinid fishes are present, including black carp (Mylpharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and goldfish (Carassius auratus). All six of these species are found in the Mississippi River
Authors
Andrew R. Mahon, Christopher L. Jerde, Matthew Galaska, Jennifer L. Bergner, W. Lindsay Chadderton, David M. Lodge, Margaret E. Hunter, Leo G. Nico
Discovery of South American suckermouth armored catfishes (Loricariidae, Pterygoplichthys spp.) in the Santa Fe River drainage, Suwannee River basin, USA
We report on the occurrence of South American suckermouth armored catfishes (Loricariidae) in the Suwannee River basin, southeastern USA. Over the past few years (2009-2012), loricariid catfishes have been observed at various sites in the Santa Fe River drainage, a major tributary of the Suwannee in the state of Florida. Similar to other introduced populations of Pterygoplichthys, there is high li
Authors
Leo G. Nico, Peter L. Butt, Gerald R. Johnston, Howard L. Jelks, Matthew Kail, Stephen J. Walsh
Eastern mosquitofish resists invasion by nonindigenous poeciliids through agonistic behaviors
Florida is a hotspot for nonindigenous fishes with over 30 species established, although few of these are small-bodied species. One hypothesis for this pattern is that biotic resistance of native species is reducing the success of small-bodied, introduced fishes. The eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki is common in many freshwater habitats in Florida and although small-bodied (
Authors
Kevin A. Thompson, Jeffrey E. Hill, Leo G. Nico
Salinity tolerance of non-native suckermouth armoured catfish (Loricariidae: Pterygoplichthys) in south-eastern Mexico: Implications for invasion and dispersal
1. Salinity tolerance is one of several important physiological attributes that determine invasion success and the pattern of dispersal of introduced aquatic organisms. Introduced freshwater fishes able to tolerate elevated salinities have the potential to invade and exploit brackish-water (mixohaline) environments and use estuaries and coastal waters as 'bridges' for dispersing from one coastal r
Authors
Krista A. Capps, Leo G. Nico, Manuel Mendoza-Carranza, Wendi Arevalo-Frias, Andrew J. Ropicki, Sebastian A. Heilpern, Rocio Rodiles-Hernandez
Imported Asian swamp eels (Synbranchidae: Monopterus) in North American live food markets: Potential vectors of non-native parasites
Since the 1990s, possibly earlier, large numbers of Asian swamp eels (Synbranchidae: Monopterus spp.), some wild-caught, have been imported live from various countries in Asia and sold in ethnic food markets in cities throughout the USA and parts of Canada. Such markets are the likely introduction pathway of some, perhaps most, of the five known wild populations of Asian swamp eels present in the
Authors
Leo G. Nico, Paul Sharp, Timothy M. Collins
Use of stable isotopes and mercury to assess trophic positions of black carp and other large fishes in the Red-Atchafalaya River system, Louisiana, USA
No abstract available.
Authors
L. Nico, A. Demopoulos, D. Gualtieri, C. Wieser
The black carp in North America: an update
No abstract available.
Authors
Leo G. Nico, Howard L. Jelks
Managing undesired and invading fishes
No abstract available.
Authors
Cindy S. Kolar, Walter R. Courtenay, Leo G. Nico
Nocturnal and diurnal activity of armored suckermouth catfish (Loricariidae: Pterygoplichthys) associated with wintering Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
Several Pterygoplichthys species, members of the Neotropical catfish family Loricariidae, have been widely introduced outside their native ranges. In this paper, I present observations on the diel activity pattern of non-native Pterygoplichthys, tentatively identified as P. disjunctivus, with respect to their attachment and grazing on endangered Florida manatees, Trichechus manatus latirostris. Th
Authors
Leo G. Nico
Salinity tolerance of non-native Asian swamp eels (Teleostei: Synbranchidae) in Florida, USA: Comparison of three populations and implications for dispersal
Three populations of non-native Asian swamp eels are established in peninsular Florida (USA), and comprise two different genetic lineages. To assess potential for these fish to penetrate estuarine habitats or use coastal waters as dispersal routes, we determined their salinity tolerances. Swamp eels from the three Florida populations were tested by gradual (chronic) salinity increases; additionall
Authors
P. J. Schofield, L.G. Nico
Age, differential growth and mortality rates in unexploited populations of Florida gar, an apex predator in the Florida Everglades
Florida gar, Lepisosteus platyrhincus DeKay, were sampled in two canal systems in south Florida during 2000-2001 to estimate age, growth and mortality as part of the Everglades ecosystem-restoration effort. Tamiami (C-4) and L-31W canal systems had direct connections to natural wetlands of the Everglades and harboured large Florida gar populations. Of 476 fish aged, maximum ages were 19 and 10year
Authors
D.J. Murie, D.C. Parkyn, L.G. Nico, J.J. Herod, W.F. Loftus
Interactions between non-native armored suckermouth catfish (Loricariidae: Pterygoplichthys) and native Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in artesian springs
Non-native suckermouth armored catfishes (Loricariidae) of the genus Pterygoplichthys are now common throughout much of peninsular Florida. In this paper, we present preliminary observations on interactions between a Pterygoplichthys species, tentatively identified as P. disjunctivus (Weber, 1991), and endangered native Florida manatees, Trichechus manatus latirostris (Harlan, 1824), in artesian s
Authors
Leo G. Nico, William F. Loftus, James P. Reid
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
Validation of eDNA surveillance sensitivity for detection of Asian carps in controlled and field experiments
In many North American rivers, populations of multiple species of non-native cyprinid fishes are present, including black carp (Mylpharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and goldfish (Carassius auratus). All six of these species are found in the Mississippi River
Authors
Andrew R. Mahon, Christopher L. Jerde, Matthew Galaska, Jennifer L. Bergner, W. Lindsay Chadderton, David M. Lodge, Margaret E. Hunter, Leo G. Nico
Discovery of South American suckermouth armored catfishes (Loricariidae, Pterygoplichthys spp.) in the Santa Fe River drainage, Suwannee River basin, USA
We report on the occurrence of South American suckermouth armored catfishes (Loricariidae) in the Suwannee River basin, southeastern USA. Over the past few years (2009-2012), loricariid catfishes have been observed at various sites in the Santa Fe River drainage, a major tributary of the Suwannee in the state of Florida. Similar to other introduced populations of Pterygoplichthys, there is high li
Authors
Leo G. Nico, Peter L. Butt, Gerald R. Johnston, Howard L. Jelks, Matthew Kail, Stephen J. Walsh
Eastern mosquitofish resists invasion by nonindigenous poeciliids through agonistic behaviors
Florida is a hotspot for nonindigenous fishes with over 30 species established, although few of these are small-bodied species. One hypothesis for this pattern is that biotic resistance of native species is reducing the success of small-bodied, introduced fishes. The eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki is common in many freshwater habitats in Florida and although small-bodied (
Authors
Kevin A. Thompson, Jeffrey E. Hill, Leo G. Nico
Salinity tolerance of non-native suckermouth armoured catfish (Loricariidae: Pterygoplichthys) in south-eastern Mexico: Implications for invasion and dispersal
1. Salinity tolerance is one of several important physiological attributes that determine invasion success and the pattern of dispersal of introduced aquatic organisms. Introduced freshwater fishes able to tolerate elevated salinities have the potential to invade and exploit brackish-water (mixohaline) environments and use estuaries and coastal waters as 'bridges' for dispersing from one coastal r
Authors
Krista A. Capps, Leo G. Nico, Manuel Mendoza-Carranza, Wendi Arevalo-Frias, Andrew J. Ropicki, Sebastian A. Heilpern, Rocio Rodiles-Hernandez
Imported Asian swamp eels (Synbranchidae: Monopterus) in North American live food markets: Potential vectors of non-native parasites
Since the 1990s, possibly earlier, large numbers of Asian swamp eels (Synbranchidae: Monopterus spp.), some wild-caught, have been imported live from various countries in Asia and sold in ethnic food markets in cities throughout the USA and parts of Canada. Such markets are the likely introduction pathway of some, perhaps most, of the five known wild populations of Asian swamp eels present in the
Authors
Leo G. Nico, Paul Sharp, Timothy M. Collins
Use of stable isotopes and mercury to assess trophic positions of black carp and other large fishes in the Red-Atchafalaya River system, Louisiana, USA
No abstract available.
Authors
L. Nico, A. Demopoulos, D. Gualtieri, C. Wieser
The black carp in North America: an update
No abstract available.
Authors
Leo G. Nico, Howard L. Jelks
Managing undesired and invading fishes
No abstract available.
Authors
Cindy S. Kolar, Walter R. Courtenay, Leo G. Nico
Nocturnal and diurnal activity of armored suckermouth catfish (Loricariidae: Pterygoplichthys) associated with wintering Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
Several Pterygoplichthys species, members of the Neotropical catfish family Loricariidae, have been widely introduced outside their native ranges. In this paper, I present observations on the diel activity pattern of non-native Pterygoplichthys, tentatively identified as P. disjunctivus, with respect to their attachment and grazing on endangered Florida manatees, Trichechus manatus latirostris. Th
Authors
Leo G. Nico
Salinity tolerance of non-native Asian swamp eels (Teleostei: Synbranchidae) in Florida, USA: Comparison of three populations and implications for dispersal
Three populations of non-native Asian swamp eels are established in peninsular Florida (USA), and comprise two different genetic lineages. To assess potential for these fish to penetrate estuarine habitats or use coastal waters as dispersal routes, we determined their salinity tolerances. Swamp eels from the three Florida populations were tested by gradual (chronic) salinity increases; additionall
Authors
P. J. Schofield, L.G. Nico
Age, differential growth and mortality rates in unexploited populations of Florida gar, an apex predator in the Florida Everglades
Florida gar, Lepisosteus platyrhincus DeKay, were sampled in two canal systems in south Florida during 2000-2001 to estimate age, growth and mortality as part of the Everglades ecosystem-restoration effort. Tamiami (C-4) and L-31W canal systems had direct connections to natural wetlands of the Everglades and harboured large Florida gar populations. Of 476 fish aged, maximum ages were 19 and 10year
Authors
D.J. Murie, D.C. Parkyn, L.G. Nico, J.J. Herod, W.F. Loftus
Interactions between non-native armored suckermouth catfish (Loricariidae: Pterygoplichthys) and native Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in artesian springs
Non-native suckermouth armored catfishes (Loricariidae) of the genus Pterygoplichthys are now common throughout much of peninsular Florida. In this paper, we present preliminary observations on interactions between a Pterygoplichthys species, tentatively identified as P. disjunctivus (Weber, 1991), and endangered native Florida manatees, Trichechus manatus latirostris (Harlan, 1824), in artesian s
Authors
Leo G. Nico, William F. Loftus, James P. Reid
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.