Common Name: CAVEFISH, KARST
Phylum: CHORDATA
Class: OSTEICHTHYES
Order: PERCOPSIFORMES
Family: AMBLYOPSIDAE
Genus: FORBESICHTHYS
Species: PAPILLIFERUS
Taxonomic Authority: PUTNAM
Taxonomy References: 019 , 002
NONGAME
STATE ENDANGERED
STATE RANK S1
GLOBAL RANK G4G5
Status References: 015 , 017 , 003 , 010
"Occurs in cave streams, springs and spring branches with cold, clear water, little or no current and mud, silt, sand or gravel bottom."
Primary Habitat: "Cave"
"Has been found in Scott county *001,014,017*."
Known | Likely | Unknown | Not Likely | Historic | Extirpated |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SCOTT | ADAIR | ||||
ANDREW | |||||
ATCHISON | |||||
AUDRAIN | |||||
BARRY | |||||
BARTON | |||||
BATES | |||||
BENTON | |||||
BOLLINGER | |||||
BOONE | |||||
BUCHANAN | |||||
BUTLER | |||||
CALDWELL | |||||
CALLAWAY | |||||
CAMDEN | |||||
CAPE GIRARDEAU | |||||
CARROLL | |||||
CARTER | |||||
CASS | |||||
CEDAR | |||||
CHARITON | |||||
CHRISTIAN | |||||
CLARK | |||||
CLAY | |||||
CLINTON | |||||
COLE | |||||
COOPER | |||||
CRAWFORD | |||||
DADE | |||||
DALLAS | |||||
DAVIESS | |||||
DEKALB | |||||
DENT | |||||
DOUGLAS | |||||
DUNKLIN | |||||
FRANKLIN | |||||
GASCONADE | |||||
GENTRY | |||||
GREENE | |||||
GRUNDY | |||||
HARRISON | |||||
HENRY | |||||
HICKORY | |||||
HOLT | |||||
HOWARD | |||||
HOWELL | |||||
IRON | |||||
JACKSON | |||||
JASPER | |||||
JEFFERSON | |||||
JOHNSON | |||||
KNOX | |||||
LACLEDE | |||||
LAFAYETTE | |||||
LAWRENCE | |||||
LEWIS | |||||
LINCOLN | |||||
LINN | |||||
LIVINGSTON | |||||
MACON | |||||
MADISON | |||||
MARIES | |||||
MARION | |||||
MCDONALD | |||||
MERCER | |||||
MILLER | |||||
MISSISSIPPI | |||||
MONITEAU | |||||
MONROE | |||||
MONTGOMERY | |||||
MORGAN | |||||
NEW MADRID | |||||
NEWTON | |||||
NODAWAY | |||||
OREGON | |||||
OSAGE | |||||
OZARK | |||||
PEMISCOT | |||||
PERRY | |||||
PETTIS | |||||
PHELPS | |||||
PIKE | |||||
PLATTE | |||||
POLK | |||||
PULASKI | |||||
PUTNAM | |||||
RALLS | |||||
RANDOLPH | |||||
RAY | |||||
REYNOLDS | |||||
RIPLEY | |||||
SALINE | |||||
SCHUYLER | |||||
SCOTLAND | |||||
SHANNON | |||||
SHELBY | |||||
ST. CHARLES | |||||
ST. CLAIR | |||||
ST. FRANCOIS | |||||
ST. LOUIS | |||||
STE. GENEVIEVE | |||||
STODDARD | |||||
STONE | |||||
SULLIVAN | |||||
TANEY | |||||
TEXAS | |||||
VERNON | |||||
WARREN | |||||
WASHINGTON | |||||
WAYNE | |||||
WEBSTER | |||||
WORTH | |||||
WRIGHT |
References for distribution: 012 , 014 , 017 , 007 , 001
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Comments: ""
Mississippi River Alluvial Plains
Comments: ""
Southern Floodplain Forest
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands
Species is associated with "Aquatic" habitats.
Riverine
"See Comments"
"Riverine"
References for Aquatic Associations: 007 , 008 , 009 , 010
Permanent Stream
References for Habitat Types: 004
Caves
Effluent Cave
Influent Cave
Wet Pit Cave
References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 011 , 012 , 007 , 008 , 009
"Carnivore"
Comments for larval food habits:
""
References for larval food habits:
Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""
References Juvenile Food Habits
Detritus (organic); Not Specified
Arthropods; Not Specified
Crustaceans; Not Specified
Copepods (Cyclops, Calanus); Not Specified
Malacostraca (lobster, shrimp, crayfish, crabs); Not Specified
Insects
Insects; Not Specified
Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""
References Adult Food Habits 018 , 009
References for egg niches requirements:
References for feeding larvae niche requirements:
References for resting Larvae niche requirements:
Water temperature: cold water: less than 21 c (70 f)
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Dissolved oxygen specified in comments(00020)
Ph/alkalinity specified in comments(00030)
Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Seeps/springs specified in comments(00210)
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: spring outlet
Inland wetlands: spring pool
Inland wetlands: spring branch
Inland wetlands: cave streams
References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 011 , 012 , 007 , 008 , 009
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Dissolved oxygen specified in comments(00020)
Ph/alkalinity specified in comments(00030)
Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Underwater cover: organic debris
Underwater cover: rocks
Underwater cover specified in comments(00105)
Seeps/springs specified in comments(00210)
References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 011 , 012 , 007 , 008 , 009
Water temperature: cold water: less than 21 c (70 f)
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Dissolved oxygen specified in comments(00020)
Ph/alkalinity specified in comments(00030)
Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Seeps/springs specified in comments(00210)
Inland wetlands: spring outlet
Inland wetlands: spring pool
Inland wetlands: spring branch
Inland wetlands: cave streams
References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 011 , 012 , 007 , 008 , 009
Water temperature: cold water: less than 21 c (70 f)
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Dissolved oxygen specified in comments(00020)
Ph/alkalinity specified in comments(00030)
Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Seeps/springs specified in comments(00210)
Inland wetlands: spring outlet
Inland wetlands: spring pool
Inland wetlands: spring branch
Inland wetlands: cave streams
References for feeding adult niche requirements: 011 , 012 , 007 , 008 , 009
Water temperature: cold water: less than 21 c (70 f)
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Dissolved oxygen specified in comments(00020)
Ph/alkalinity specified in comments(00030)
Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Seeps/springs specified in comments(00210)
Inland wetlands: spring outlet
Inland wetlands: spring pool
Inland wetlands: spring branch
Inland wetlands: cave streams
References for resting adult niche requirements: 011 , 012 , 007 , 008 , 009
Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Dissolved oxygen specified in comments(00020)
Inland wetlands: cave streams
Inland wetlands: spring branch
Inland wetlands: spring outlet
Inland wetlands: spring pool
Inland wetlands: swamp
Ph/alkalinity specified in comments(00030)
Seeps/springs specified in comments(00210)
Underwater cover specified in comments(00105)
Underwater cover: organic debris
Underwater cover: rocks
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Water temperature: cold water: less than 21 c (70 f)
Code | Comment |
---|---|
004 | Finds food by touch *009* |
034 | Food is a limiting factor *008* |
007 | Probably spawn in February *008* |
012 | Spawn in underground water *008,009* |
022 | First spawn when 11-12 months old *008*, are mature when 43 mm long *009*. Reach maturity at about 40 mm TL *017*. |
030 | Are active in springs *008* or other open water at night *009*, during the day, retreat underground *008* or hide under rocks or other cover *009* |
099 | Larval growth occurs underground *009*, fry first appear in surface water in early March *008*. Oldest individuals found in one study were 14-28 months old *008* |
040 | Will gather in small groups, may or may not be schooling *009* |
030 | In MO study, appeared to remain in the spring pool throughout the night, and retreat to subterranean cover near sunrise *017*. |
Periodicity: active at night
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Limiting factors specified in comments(034)
Schooling behavior specified in comments(040)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy specified in comments(004)
Foraging sites: water
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Spawning site specified in comments(012)
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)
Code | Comment |
---|---|
004 | Finds food by touch *009* |
034 | Food is a limiting factor *008* |
007 | Probably spawn in February *008* |
012 | Spawn in underground water *008,009* |
022 | First spawn when 11-12 months old *008*, are mature when 43 mm long *009*. Reach maturity at about 40 mm TL *017*. |
030 | Are active in springs *008* or other open water at night *009*, during the day, retreat underground *008* or hide under rocks or other cover *009* |
099 | Larval growth occurs underground *009*, fry first appear in surface water in early March *008*. Oldest individuals found in one study were 14-28 months old *008* |
040 | Will gather in small groups, may or may not be schooling *009* |
030 | In MO study, appeared to remain in the spring pool throughout the night, and retreat to subterranean cover near sunrise *017*. |
References for life history: 017 , 001 , 008 , 009
Protect caves from human disturbance
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - protect natural hydrology to avoid lowering of the water table
Beneficial Management References: 014 , 006
Adverse Management References:
Comments on Management:
Is important to maintain the integrity of spring openings, to allow movement between surface and subterranean habitats. Must ensure that sedimentation doesn't fill openings and block movements between these habitats *017*. A MO study recommends independent management of the following zones to maintain species integrity: middle Arkansas river drainage, White River drainage, Osage River drainage, Eleven point/Current R. Drainage. Recommendations: 1) avoid transplant of cavefish between zones, 2) avoid fragmentation of populations within zones, 3) maintain dispersal barriers between zones. River channelization and road construction should be confined to between-zone areas, dam building between zones should be avoided, 4) water table reduction may be detrimental. *014*. Forested buffers 100 feed wide should be maintained along streams and around sinkhole and cave entrances *016*.
References for Management Comments: 014 , 016 , 017
Reference Code | Citation |
---|---|
001 | Pflieger, W.L. 1997. The Fishes Of Missouri, Revised Edition. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 372 Pp. |
002 | Nelson, Joseph S., Edwin J. Crossman, Héctor Espinosa-Pérez, Lloyd T. Findley, Carter R. Gilbert, Robert N. Lea, and James D. Williams. 2004. Common And Scientific Names Of Fishes From The United States, Canada and Mexico (6th Ed.). Amer. Fish Soc. Spec. |
003 | The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115. |
004 | Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp. |
005 | Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24. |
006 | Unpb Pflieger, W.L. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, Mo 65201. (573-882-9880). |
007 | Mcdonald, E.F.,Jr. and W.L. Pflieger. 1979. The Spring Cavefish, Chologaster Agassizi (Pices: Amblyopsidae), In Southeastern Missouri. Am. Midl. Nat. 102(1):194-196. |
008 | Poulson, T.L. 1963. Cave Adaptation In Amblyopsid Fishes. Amer. Midl. Nat. 70(2):257-290. |
009 | Weise, J.G. 1957. The Spring Cave-Fish Chologaster Papilliferus, In Illinois. Ecology 38:195-204. |
010 | The Checklist Of Rare And Endangered Species Of Missouri. 1991. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 44 Pp. |
011 | Woods, L.P. and R.F. Inger. 1957. The Cave, Spring, And Swamp Fishes Of The Family Amblyopsidae Of Central And Eastern United States. Am. Midl. Nat. 58:232-256. |
012 | Unpb Pflieger, W.L. The Stream Resources Of Missouri. D-J Project F-1-R-28. Study S-20. Mo Dept. Of Conserv., 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, Mo 65201. (573-882-9880). Columbia, Mo 65201. (573-882-9880). |
013 | Pflieger, W.L. 1989. Aquatic Community Classification System For Missouri. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Aquatic Series No. 19. 70 Pp + Supplement. |
014 | Bergstrom, D.E., Jr., D.B. Noltie and T.P. Holtsford. 1995. Ozark Cavefish Genetics: The Phylogeny Of Missouri's Ozark Cavefish (Amblyopsis Rosae) And Southern Cavefish (Typhlichthys Subterraneus). Mo Dept. Of Conservation Final Report. End. Species Proj. Se-01-27. 42 Pp. |
015 | Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp. |
016 | Missouri Department Of Conservation. Best Management Practices: Spring Cavefish. Mo Dept. Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. |
017 | Unpb Adams, G.L., S. R. Adams, A.L. Phillips and B.M. Burr. 2002. Natural history and habitat utilization of the spring cavefish, Forbesichthys agassizi, in southeast Missouri. Report submitted to Missouri Department of Conservation, 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, MO 65201 (573-882-9909). 58 pp. |
018 | Hill, L.G. 1969. Feeding and food habits of the spring cavefish, Chologaster agassizi. Am. Mid. Nat. 82: 110-116. |
019 | Adams, G. L., Burr, B. M., and Warren Jr., M. L. 2020. In Freshwater Fishes of North America: Characidae to Poeciliidae (Vol. 2, pp. 281–321). Johns Hopkins University Press. |