Measurements and counts- Sturgeon at TNACI by Claire C.

Sadly, November 4 was our last trip to TNACI. For this final trip, we learned about how ichthyologists are tracking endangered species of fish, particularly the Pallid and Shovel Nose sturgeon, and how they’re managing to prolong the survival of their species. The Pallid sturgeon, which is indigenous to the northern Missouri and the waterways in that vicinity, are dying out due to the construction of dams on the Mississippi.

As it turns out, the Pallid sturgeon has started interbreeding with the Shovel Nose sturgeon. Since sometimes it is hard to tell which is which when they interbreed, ichthyologists like Dr. Bernie Kuhajda are currently trying to discern how many hybrids and purebreds are in nature by comparing the fishes physical and genetic characteristics. 

To determine the physical qualities, he takes 39 measurements that include the distance from head to tail and 9 counts such as the amount of rays on the lower fin. They also use fin tags to track their movement. 

Dr. K says that its tedious work but necessary to determine how to protect the species. Although he loves his job measuring fish, Dr. K also has a passion for cave fish found nowhere else in he world. Some of his recent finds include the Alabama Cave fish, the Southern cave fish, and the cave shrimp, which is found in only one Alabama cave. 

We took turns taking physical measurements and counts as we learned about some characteristics of the Pallid and Shovelnose sturgeon.

Next, we took a short tour of the greenhouse, which was holding Sewanee’s amphibian project. In this experiment, they were testing competition amongst salamanders over a four week period, seeing if they gain or lose weight when fed in a controlled environment.