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Topeka Shiners (Notropis topeka) representing two genetically distinct and geographically separated Kansas populations have been under continuous culture and study in 0.045-ha experimental ponds at the University of Kansas Field Station since 2002. Experiments in earthen ponds undertaken from 2002 to 2009 established that Topeka Shiners are capable of surviving and reproducing in static artificial habitats, which at the field station are akin to isolated stream pools or farm ponds typical in this part of the Great Plains. Variables included the addition of various substrate types, sizes, and their location within ponds, and also the numbers of adult Topeka Shiners stocked at the beginning of each spawning season. Behavioral and predatory associations with several other fish species, which sometimes included the addition of Orangespotted Sunfish (Lepomis humilis), Green Sunfish (L. cyanellus), and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), also were examined. The work demonstrated that while Topeka Shiners c...

To assess the potential impacts of impoundments on sensitive stream species, such as the Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) and hornyhead chub (Nocomis biguttatus), I conducted a review of existing scientific literature. A substantial body of literature indicates that construction of dams has a negative impact on native stream fishes. In general, an impoundment can reduce the quantity and quality of stream habitat, alter reproductive and feeding behavior of fishes, and increase the number and sizes of predatory fish within a stream system. These impacts suggest a negative relationship between impoundments and obligate stream species, such as the Topeka shiner and hornyhead chub.

The life history and feeding habits of the Topeka shiner, Notropis topeka (Gilbert), were studied in the headwaters of the South Fork Cottonwood River, Butler County, Kansas, and the West Branch of Mill Creek, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, from July 1979 through June 1981. A total of 1002 specimens was examined. The habitat of Topeka shiners in the South Fork Cottonwood River consisted of the uppermost stream sections that maintained permanent pools because of the contribution of small springs and subterranean flow. Substrates varied from gravel to rubble, usually with a thin silt covering. In midsummer and fall, surface water was restricted to the larger and deeper pools in the study area. Heavy mortality in the fish populations was evident. Adult Topeka shiners occupied the lower half of the water column in pools, whereas young-of-the-year fish inhabited shallow pool margins until the end of their first summer. Nineteen percent of age-1 males were sexually mature (in second summer of life); 80% of ...

The Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka), an endemic minnow of the Great Plains, has been extirpated over much of its former range. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed it as an endangered species in January 1999. The only extant population of N. topeka remaining on the High Plains is located in northwestern Kansas. During 1999, we studied aspects of the natural history of this isolated population. Notropis topeka fed in aggregations comprised of central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum), fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), orangespotted sunfish (Lepomis humilis), and orangethroat darters (Etheostoma spectabile). Notropis topeka also raided the nests of P. promelas to consume eggs. Nests of N. topeka were located on the periphery of L. cyanellus nests, and possibly on the periphery of L. humilis and P. promelas nests. We describe the spawning act of N. topeka on the periphery of L. cyanellus nests, as well as their interspecific behavior near the nests of L....