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—Selected unionid species glochidia and our recovered juveniles from naturally infested fish (see methods for locality information), scale bar is 50 mm. Fusconaia flava (A), Toxolasma parvus (B), Elliptio dilatata (C), Amblema plicata (D), Actinonaias ligamentina (E), Lampsilis siliquoidea (F), Lampsilis cardium (G), Venustaconcha ellipsiformis (H), Obovaria olivaria (I), juvenile V. ellipsiformis from Zumbro River drainage (J) and juvenile V. ellipsiformis from Root River drainage (K)
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The ellipse, Venustaconcha ellipsiformis (Bivalvia: Unionidae), was first recorded in Minnesota from the Straight River in 1987, but we knew little of its distribution in the state, brooding behavior, glochidial host fish relationships or status. To examine these questions, we followed standard procedures to conduct an extensive, qualitative statew...
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Understanding of the spatial distribution and habitat use in different stages of a life cycle represents the essential aspect of threatened species management and conservation. In the present paper, the spatial and temporal patterns of habitat use in juvenile and adult life stages of the long-snouted seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus in the Mar Picco...
Citations
... Because adult mussels are relatively immobile, host fish are the primary dispersal mechanism during the parasitic larval phase. Venustaconcha ellipsiformis is a host specialist on darters, sculpin, and brook stickleback [31,32]. Limited vagility and habitat specialization of these fishes may constrain their ability to disperse V. ellipsiformis over long distances, especially during the relatively brief parasitic phase [32]. ...
... Venustaconcha ellipsiformis is a host specialist on darters, sculpin, and brook stickleback [31,32]. Limited vagility and habitat specialization of these fishes may constrain their ability to disperse V. ellipsiformis over long distances, especially during the relatively brief parasitic phase [32]. Moreover, V. ellipsiformis populations sampled in this study are currently fragmented by impoundments and large distances of unsuitable and unoccupied habitat, particularly in the mainstem Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers and Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. ...
Venustaconcha ellipsiformis (Unionidae) is a freshwater mussel species inhabiting small to medium streams of the Midwest-ern United States; however, its occurrence is rather sporadic and populations are often isolated. Due to anthropogenic habitat degradation and water pollution, this species is designated as some sort of conservation status in many states. To prioritize conservation strategies, highly variable genetic markers are necessary to assess population genetic structure and potential genetic erosion of V. ellipsiformis. Using whole genome sequence data, we developed and characterized microsatellite markers for V. ellipsiformis. Among 23 tetranucleotide loci tested, 14 loci were consistently amplified and showed polymorphism. Analyses performed on three populations in the upper Mississippi River basin showed that the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 11 and the observed heterozygosity varied from 0.15 to 0.75. Based on genotypic and allelic rarefaction curves, these loci had adequate statistical power to genetically discriminate between individuals and the sample size was large enough to capture most alleles available in the populations at most loci. Finally, cross-species screening of the loci successfully amplified and showed polymorphism in six species in the tribe Lampsilini. The microsatellite loci developed in this study provide a valuable addition to extant genetic markers for freshwater mussels and can be useful to provide high-level resolution of population genetic parameters for V. ellipsiformis. Such information will be of great value for resource managers developing and prioritizing conservation strategies for imperiled mussel species.
... Ellipse are small (<100 mm long) solid-shelled mussels that reside in small-or medium-sized streams characterized by swift to moderate flow and coarse substrates (van der Schalie and van der Schalie 1963, Cummings and Mayer 1992, Allen et al. 2007). They are long-term brooders that reach sexual maturity at 3 y and live 10-20 y (van der Schalie and van der Schalie 1963). ...
Over half of the 80 freshwater mussel species that historically occupied Illinois are now extinct, extirpated, endangered, or threatened. Two species of conservation concern that warrant further investigation are Ellipse (Venustaconcha ellipsiformis) and Spike (Eurynia dilatata). Ellipse have experienced a 30% range contraction in Illinois and are a focal species for a regional conservation initiative in the state. Spike have experienced a range contraction of 55% in Illinois, despite remaining relatively common in bordering states. Several stressors have been proposed as causes of declines in both species, such as habitat fragmentation, hydrologic alteration, pollutants, and availability of fish hosts to aid mussel dispersal. Ultimately, developing effective conservation and management actions for these species requires identifying the environmental conditions that most strongly influence their persistence. Our objective was to identify the habitat features and environmental conditions that best explain patterns in Ellipse and Spike presence in northeastern Illinois. We found that number of pollution dischargers in a watershed was a strong predictor of presence in both species. However, host fish richness, total number of upstream dams, and duration of extreme low flows were also strong predictors of Ellipse presence, whereas distance to the nearest mainstem downstream dam and variation in the number of high flow pulses predicted Spike presence. Our analysis also revealed that different mussel species may respond to the same stressors in an opposite manner, suggesting that conservation actions should either be devised on a species-specific basis or balance the needs of multiple species simultaneously. The specific predictors of mussel distribution we found represent a starting point for developing restoration strategies for these species in northeastern Illinois.
... Although different DEG analytical methods and experimental setups may explain these dissimilarities, it was suggested that a low number of DEG should be expected in bivalves considering their general lack of secondary sexual characters and sexual dimorphism, and also because sex-specific function of reproductive genes in these organisms is limited to gonad development, gametogenesis, and fertilization (Ghiselli et al. 2012). However, contrary to most bivalve species, unionoid freshwater mussels have a unique reproductive mode that may cause pronounced sexual dimorphism: 1) their larvae mature in certain areas unique to female gills called marsupia (which can also alter shell morphology) and 2) because most species require a host fish for their larvae, many gravid females, including those of V. ellipsiformis (Allen et al. 2007), display adaptations such as mantlederived lures to actively attract a prospective fish for their parasitic larvae (Haag and Warren 1999;Barnhart et al. 2008;Zieritz and Aldridge 2011;Haag 2012). Interestingly, sexual dimorphism in burrowing behavior has also been reported in the freshwater mussel DUI species Elliptio complanata (Flynn et al. 2013). ...
Bivalves exhibit an astonishing diversity of sexual systems and sex-determining mechanisms. They can be gonochoric, hermaphroditic or androgenetic, with both genetic and environmental factors known to determine or influence sex. One unique sex-determining system involving the mitochondrial genome has also been hypothesized to exist in bivalves with doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) of mtDNA. However, the link between DUI and sex determination remains obscure. In this study, we performed a comparative gonad transcriptomics analysis for two DUI-possessing freshwater mussel species to better understand the mechanisms underlying sex determination and DUI in these bivalves. We used a BLAST reciprocal analysis to identify orthologs between Venustaconcha ellipsiformis and Utterbackia peninsularis and compared our results with previously published sex-specific bivalve transcriptomes to identify conserved sex-determining genes. We also compared our data with other DUI species to identify candidate genes possibly involved in the regulation of DUI. A total of ∼12,000 orthologous relationships were found, with 2,583 genes differentially expressed in both species. Among these genes, key sex-determining factors previously reported in vertebrates and in bivalves (e.g. Sry, Dmrt1, Foxl2) were identified, suggesting that some steps of the sex-determination pathway may be deeply conserved in metazoans. Our results also support the hypothesis that a modified ubiquitination mechanism could be responsible for the retention of the paternal mtDNA in male bivalves, and revealed that DNA methylation could also be involved in the regulation of DUI. Globally, our results suggest that sets of genes associated with sex determination and DUI are similar in distantly-related DUI species.
... Among the most well-known and elaborate of these are in the Tribe Lampsilini (Unionidae∶Ambleminae), where several genera have mantle modifications that function as lures to attract host fish to the gravid female (Barnhart et al. 2008). Lure morphology varies among species (e.g., , Allen et al. 2007, Jones et al. 2010) and generally corresponds to host feeding preferences. A classic example is the small fish lure of Lampsilis that mimics prey of its piscivorous hosts . ...
Freshwater mussels are a diverse group of bivalves with equally diverse life-history traits. We examined host-attracting behaviors, larval-brooding phenology, and larva–host relationships for Ellipsaria lineolata, Leptodea fragilis, Potamilus alatus, and Truncilla truncata through extensive field and laboratory studies. Our data from laboratory trials and recovery and identification of juvenile mussels from naturally infected fish support the long-held assumption that freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) probably is the exclusive host for these species and is a suitable host for Potamilus ohiensis and Truncilla donaciformis. These species have subtle but distinctive host-attracting behaviors involving use of a mantle lure to facilitate larval transfer to the host. General lure morphology and movement behavior were similar between E. lineolata and T. truncata and between L. fragilis and P. alatus, species pairs that are closely related, whereas displaying orientation was variable among species. Ellipsaria lineolata, L. fragilis, and P. alatus were long-term larval brooders, but duration and correspondence with displaying activity were dissimilar. Truncilla truncata was a short-term larval brooder in the St Croix River and is among the few documented examples of short-term brooding in the Tribe Lampsilini. The range of morphological and behavioral characters in these mussels coupled with the relatively uncommon character of specializing on a single host species make this group a model for evolutionary, phylogenetic, and ecological studies.
... Host fish testing has been conducted using various methods to determine suitable fish for specific freshwater mussels and understand the host-parasite relationship (Zale & Neves, 1982;Allen et al., 2007;Douda, Hork y & B ıl y, 2012;Lima et al., 2012;Taeubert, Gum & Geist, 2012a, 2013Taeubert et al., 2012b). It is recognised that laboratory methods do not replicate natural processes; however, it is a first step to understanding what may happen naturally in a controlled setting. ...
... Gravid female E. triquetra were collected using viewers and collection baskets from the Michigan (Flat River) and Erie (Clinton River) basins, from sites established from quantitative excavation sampling (Strayer & Smith, 2003) in (Bergner, 2013. Glochidia were extracted from the gravid mussels by flushing the marsupial gills with deionised water (Zale & Neves, 1982;Allen et al., 2007). A subsample of the glochidia from each female was tested for viability using 24% NaCl solution. ...
... However, it is difficult to infest each treatment with the same concentration of glochidia for each experiment, especially with extremely rare species. For our study, we documented and reported the concentration of glochidia each experimental treatment was infested with unlike other host fish suitability tests (Rogers et al., 2001;Allen et al., 2007;Taeubert et al., 2010;Lellis et al., 2013); fish were infested during the F2 experiment with much higher concentrations than F1. The standardised transformation success for F2 was much less successful in comparison to F1. ...
1. Freshwater mussel populations have declined, in part, from changes in host communities. However, it is unknown if fish from adjacent catchments could be used to augment mussel populations in the Great Lakes inland rivers, and if so, whether this association would be impacted by known genetic structure in mussels and fish.
2. This study tested how host fish origin (i.e. catchment) impacts the transformation of the endangered unionid Epioblasma triquetra from larval into juvenile life stages while concurrently considering potentially genetically distinct populations of mussels and hosts.
3. We quantitatively determined if Percina caprodes and Percina maculata from the Lake Michigan, Erie and Huron basins are laboratory-successful hosts for E. triquetra. Experiments were performed in autumn and spring to document any seasonal effects on transformation.
4. Percina caprodes was reconfirmed to be a successful host for E. triquetra, and for the first time, P. maculata was also determined to be a successful host in the Great Lakes region. Results suggest no differences in juvenile transformation with allopatric and sympatric fish and mussel pairings based on Great Lakes basin origin; therefore, transformation success may not parallel differences in genetic structure. In addition, results suggest seasonal differences in the developmental stages of E. triquetra
juveniles.
5. Knowing the most efficient strategy to optimise juvenile transformations can make reintroductions, augmentation and overall conservation efforts of E. triquetra successful. These data will help in developing recovery strategies for E. triquetra in the Laurentian Great Lakes by understanding variation in host use and nuances in this host–parasite relationship.
... To build on this work, the goals of this study were to: 1) identify suitable hosts for the creek heelsplitter using laboratory trials, 2) identify natural hosts from wild-caught fishes, and 3) describe how the glochidia are released. We used established methods to conduct this study (Allen et al. 2007, Hove et al. 2016). Gravid mussels were collected from Turtle Creek (Cannon River drainage) and the Willow River (St. ...
Native limnic giant bivalve naiad "Anodontites trapesialis (Lamarck, 1819)" is directly involved in experimental activities of Aquaculture, technically known as “Naiadiculture” in the State of Santa Catarina/ SC, Southern Brazil, for your great potential to produce cultured pearls (see p. 32) ......
... To build on this work, the goals of this study were to: 1) identify suitable hosts for the creek heelsplitter using laboratory trials, 2) identify natural hosts from wild-caught fishes, and 3) describe how the glochidia are released. We used established methods to conduct this study (Allen et al. 2007, Hove et al. 2016). Gravid mussels were collected from Turtle Creek (Cannon River drainage) and the Willow River (St. ...
The freshwater/ limnic mollusk fauna of Santa Catarina State/ SC, Central Southern Brazil, consists today of a total of 72 confirmed species (42 Gastropoda and 30 Bivalvia). That total includes two amphibious representatives of the genera "Omalonyx d'Orbigny, 1837" (semi-slug Succineidae) & "Assiminea Fleming, 1828" (operculated snail Assimineidae), and eight alien forms: five Gastropoda and three Bivalvia (see pp. 32-35) ......
... To build on this work, the goals of this study were to: 1) identify suitable hosts for the creek heelsplitter using laboratory trials, 2) identify natural hosts from wild-caught fishes, and 3) describe how the glochidia are released. We used established methods to conduct this study (Allen et al. 2007, Hove et al. 2016). Gravid mussels were collected from Turtle Creek (Cannon River drainage) and the Willow River (St. ...
... Glochidia morphology has been used to classify unionoid genera and species (Ortmann 1912;Williams et al. 2008). Species-specific glochidia characters are used to identify juvenile mussels recovered from naturally infested fishes (Kennedy and Haag 2005;Allen et al. 2007). A few early studies described P. cyphyus glochidia valves as having a semicircular outline, an obliquely rounded ventral margin, and a long and straight or slightly curved hinge line (Surber 1912;Ortmann 1919;Coker et al. 1921). ...
Managing a rare species can be improved with knowledge of its natural history. The sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) is a freshwater mussel recently listed by the US as federally endangered. We used standard methods to study P. cyphyus brooding behaviour, host fishes in the laboratory and under natural conditions, and glochidial morphology. We monitored a population of P. cyphyus in the Chippewa River, WI during spring and summer 2007–2009 and 2011 and found brooding animals between mid-May and early August. Gravid individuals ranged between 5 and 27 yr (mean age ± 1 s.d. = 13 ± 4 yr). Plethobasus cyphyus brooded glochidia in outer gills, which varied in colour from red, orange, pink, cream, or white. We observed mature glochidia more commonly in individuals with cream or white gills and these glochidia were released in a clear, adhesive, mucus matrix. In laboratory trials we found several minnow and topminnow species (29 spp.) served as productive suitable native hosts. The mean number of juvenile mussels released per cyprinid per day was significantly higher for trials conducted at 22–25°C compared with those at 18–20°C, and 83% of trials conducted at 18–20°C using suitable host species produced no juveniles. Glochidia had a unique outline and shell morphometrics that distinguished P. cyphyus from seven other Chippewa River mussel species that produce similar sized glochidia. Using morphometrics we determined that mimic shiners (Notropis volucellus) were natural hosts for P. cyphyus, round pigtoe (Pleurobema sintoxia), and Wabash pigtoe (Fusconaia flava). Releasing mucus-bound glochidia has evolved in a variety of mussel species and may be more common than is currently realized. Our data show that P. cyphyus is a cyprinid host specialist, and propagation efforts for this species can be strengthened through improved access to mature glochidia by using females with cream-coloured gills and increased juvenile production through warmer fish holding temperatures.
... Many models have been developed to predict thermal regimes in river systems using assorted climate variables and watershed characteristics as predictor variables. These can be generally grouped into two classes: empirical models (Johnson, 1971;Koch and Grünewald, 2010;Mackey, 1991;Smith, 1981) and mechanistic models (Allen et al., 2007;Bartholow, 1991). Empirical models are correlative or response models with known properties and error structures and are based on statistical analysis techniques (Bolker, 2008). ...
