Statistical Study of Host Fish for the Round Pigtoe Mussel (Plueurobema coccineum) By Meggie Marzec

Introduction Mussels clean rivers and streams Indicate health of river system Round Pigtoe threatened in MN, native to St. Croix

Introduction

Introduction Glochidia with and without tissue Previous studies show there may be a difference Photo taken by Dr. Miller

Previous Studies Spotfin shiner, common shiner and hornyhead chub are host fish Golden shiner and creek chub are marginal host fish –From 2003 Host Fish Suitability Trial

Previous Studies 2003 Study, glochidia without and with tissue as life cycle stages

Goals Find which host fish is statistically stronger: hornyhead chub or common shiner Find new host fish Study glochidia without tissue and with tissue as life cycle stages

Procedure Collect host fish and mussels from St. Croix River Infest fish with glochidia and check siphonate every three days Fish in statistical study kept in individual aquaria

Results Table 1: Percent Transformation for hornyhead chub and spotfin shiner

Results

Conclusions Common shiner, mimic shiner, blackchin shiner and longnose dace are host fish Not able to determine difference between glochidia without tissue and with tissue It appears that related fish host the same mussel

Practical Applications Results of the statistically stronger host fish could be used to reintroduce the Round Pigtoe mussel by making raising mussels in a laboratory setting more efficient By finding that related fish host the same mussel, host suitability trials can be simplified

Future Studies Repeat the study with many species of fish from the same family Conduct a Histological study with pictures of mussels at different life cycle stages to deterimine if glochidia without and with tissue are separate life cyce stages

Acknowledgements Mark Hove Kari, Vik and Kaia Ms. Fruen Dr. Miller

Acknowledgements

Statistical Study of Host Fish for the Round Pigtoe Mussel (Plueurobema coccineum) By Meggie Marzec