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Water quality standards based on sub-lethal effects and performance optima for aquatic organisms, rather than onset of mortality, are more ecologically relevant for management of species of conservation concern. We investigated the effects of hypoxia, temperature (with acclimation), nitrogenous chemical compounds, and chloride on Topeka shiners (Notropis topeka) by monitoring behavioral responses to a reduction in oxygen and, using swimming speed, determining thermal optima and onset of effect for concentrations of nitrogenous compounds and chloride. We found ASR50 (i.e., dissolved oxygen concentrations where 50% of fish use aquatic surface respiration) to be 1.65 mg/L and ASR90 to be 1.08 mg/L of dissolved oxygen. Optimum temperatures for the species ranged from 17.7 to 28.0 °C, while predicted 100% mortality ranged from 33.7 to 40.3 °C, depending on the temperature at which fish were acclimated prior to experiments. Ammonia and sodium chloride reduced swimming speed at concentrations below known LC50 values, while nitrite concentrations did not correspond with swimming speed, but rather, post-experiment mortality. This provides insight into where Topeka shiners can not only persist, but also thrive. Although swimming speed may not be a suitable metric for determining the effects of all contaminants, our focus on optima and sub-lethal effects over tolerance allows selections of the most suitable reintroduction site matching the species’ physiological profile.

The occurrence of some species listed under the United States' Endangered Species Act in agricultural landscapes suggests that their habitats could potentially be exposed to pesticides. However, the potential effects from such exposures on populations are difficult to estimate. Mechanistic models can provide an avenue to estimating the potential impacts on populations, considering realistic assumptions about the ecology of the species, the ecosystem it is part of, and the potential exposures within the habitat. In the present study, we applied a hybrid model of the Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka), a small endangered cyprinid fish endemic to the US Midwest, to assess the potential population-level effects of realistic exposures to a fungicide (benzovindiflupyr). The Topeka shiner populations were simulated in the context of the food web found in oxbow habitats that are the focus of ongoing habitat restoration efforts for the species. We applied realistic, time-variable exposure scenarios and represented lethal and sublethal effects to individual Topeka shiners using toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic models. With fish in general showing the highest sensitivity to the compound, direct effects on simulated Topeka shiner populations governed the population-level effects. We characterized the population-level effects of different exposure scenarios with exposure multiplication factors (EMFs) applied. The introduction of a vegetative filter strip (VFS; 15 ft; 4.6 m) between the treated area and the oxbow habitat was shown to be effective as mitigation because EMFs were 2 to 3 times higher than for the exposure scenario without VFS. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2615-2628. © 2021 SETAC.

The Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka), a federally endangered species of minnow endemic to the Great Plains region of the central United States, has experienced widespread population declines resulting from loss of habitat. N. topeka habitat in Iowa, most notably oxbow wetlands, was mostly eliminated from the landscape during European settlement and agriculturalization of the region. Over the last two decades, restoration of oxbow habitats in Iowa has been increasing. Restorations provide critical habitat for N. topeka and regenerate a variety of ecosystem services that benefit many species of flora and fauna. There are signs that restoration of oxbow ecosystems is generating positive impacts on N. topeka recovery. Recent studies revealed that N. topeka populations are recovering within a few Iowa watersheds. In the investigation described here, we report the 2020 discovery of two N. topeka specimens in different restored oxbows within the White Fox Creek HUC10 of north central Iowa. Prior to these collections, the species had been undetected within this basin for 36 years. (It is possible that N. topeka persisted within the basin but remained undetected during sampling efforts.) Multiple oxbows have been restored within the White Fox Creek basin in recent years, and significant source populations of N. topeka can be found in nearby watersheds. These collections suggest that as oxbow restorations continue and land stewardship practices improve, N. topeka populations might recover and become reestablished within the historical range.

The Topeka shiner, a small cyprinid fish, is a seminal example of an endangered aquatic species in the Midwestern USA. Populations and their associated critical habitats may experience potential direct and/or indirect effects from anthropogenic activity. However, potential impacts on fish populations from alterations in the food web are difficult to predict because they are based on complex dynamics of food web interactions. In order to simulate Topeka shiner population dynamics under different food-web scenarios, a hybrid modeling approach was developed by linking an aquatic food web model (comprehensive aquatic systems model, CASMTS) with a species-specific, individual-based population model (TS-IBM). The CASMTS was parameterized and calibrated to represent the waterbody conditions and aquatic species community in a small headwater pool in Iowa, representative of key habitat for the Topeka shiner within its geographical range. In the TS-IBM, life history, growth, and diet are represented and based on data available from the literature for the Topeka shiner and/or surrogate species. The two models are linked by the transfer of daily biomasses of Topeka shiner diet items. We simulated the effects of alterations of the food web on the Topeka shiner populations by systematically reducing the available prey base biomass. Reductions in different food groups had varying impacts on the simulated Topeka shiner populations and were dependent on the species’ preference for detritus consumption. Simulations also included predation and identified predator densities to which Topeka shiner populations were vulnerable. The hybrid model provides a platform for the assessment of potential direct and food-web mediated indirect effects of stressors for the purposes of risk assessment, habitat management, and species recovery plans.

A hybrid model was used to characterize potential ecological risks posed by atrazine to the endangered Topeka shiner. The model linked a Topeka shiner individual-based bioenergetics population model (TS-IBM) to a comprehensive aquatic system model (CASMTS ) to simulate Topeka shiner population and food web dynamics for an Iowa (USA) headwater pool. Risks were estimated for monitored concentrations in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska (USA), and for monitored concentrations multiplied by 2, 4, and 5. Constant daily atrazine concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 250 µg/L were assessed. Exposure-response functions were developed from published atrazine toxicity data (median effect concentrations [EC50s] and no-observed-effect concentrations). Two toxicity scenarios were developed: the first included sensitive and insensitive species of algae, and the second reduced algal EC50 values to increase atrazine sensitivity. Direct and indirect effects of atrazine on Topeka shiner prey were modeled; direct effects on Topeka shiner were not assessed. Risks were characterized as differences between population biomass values of 365-d baseline and exposure simulations. The results indicated no discernable food web effects for monitored atrazine concentrations or constant exposures of 10 µg/L on Topeka shiner populations for either toxicity scenario. Magnified monitored concentrations and higher constant concentrations produced greater modeled indirect effects on Topeka shiners. The hybrid model transparently combines species-specific and surrogate species data to estimate food web responses to environmental stressors. The model is readily updated by new data and is adaptable to other species and ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2243-2258. © 2019 SETAC.

Anthropogenic development of floodplains and alteration to natural hydrological regimes have resulted in extensive loss of off-channel habitat. Interest has grown in restoring these habitats as an effective conservation strategy for numerous aquatic species. This study developed a process to reproducibly identify areas of former stream meanders to assist future off-channel restoration site selections. Three watersheds in Iowa and Minnesota where off-channel restorations are currently being conducted to aid the conservation of the Topeka Shiner (Notropis topeka) were selected as the study area. Floodplain depressions were identified with LiDAR-derived digital elevation models, and their morphologic and topographic characteristics were described. Classification tree models were developed to distinguish relic streams and oxbows from other landscape features. All models demonstrated a strong ability to distinguish between target and non-target features with area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) values ≥ 0.82 and correct classification rates ≥ 0.88. Solidity, concavity, and mean height above channel metrics were among the first splits in all trees. To compensate for the noise associated with the final model designation, features were ranked by their conditional probability. The results of this study will provide conservation managers with an improved process to identify candidate restoration sites.

The Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) is a federally-listed endangered cyprinid species native to small headwater prairie streams in the mid-west of the United States. It generally spawns over and around sunfish (Lepomis sp.) nests. The objectives of the present studies were to assess the effects that temperature, photoperiod, and substrate size have on the Topeka shiner's maturation and reproductive behavior. A longer photoperiod yielded greater male GSIs and female final weights and GSIs than a shorter photoperiod. The results generally indicated that 31 ⁰C exceeded the optimum temperature. Ovarian histology indicated that spawning had likely occurred in all treatments by the end of the experiment. The frequency of occurrence of reproductive behaviors was greater in the morning and decreased through the day. Substrate utilization by Topeka shiners in the absence of sunfish was tested to determine the shiner's fundamental preference. Fine substrates were chosen over Small Gravel, Large Gravel, Small Cobble, and the Bare Floor of the experimental tank. This preference may influence which sunfish nests are utilized, given that nest substrate characteristics differ both between sunfish species and within species across spawning site locations.

The distribution of Topeka shiner Notropis topeka has declined across its historic range and was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1998. In Iowa, the habitat associations of this imperiled fish are not well understood. Our goals were to understand the current distribution and identify abiotic and biotic factors associated with the occurrence of Topeka shiners in stream and off-channel habitats of west-central Iowa. Fish assemblages and habitat characteristics were sampled in 67 stream and 27 off-channel sites during 2010 – 2011. Topeka shiners were found in 52% off-channel sites, but only 9% of stream sites, supporting the hypothesis that off-channel habitats are an important component of their life history. When compared to prior distributions, our results indicated a recent reduction in the distribution of Topeka shiners in Iowa. Fish assemblages in stream sites Corresponding author: bbakevich@gmail.com Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho 4

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...

The Topeka shiner Notropis topeka is a federally endangered fish species that is estimated to occupy only 20% of its historic range. In Iowa Topeka shiners have been in decline for decades. Our goal was to determine the present distribution of Topeka shiners in the west-central portion of their range in Iowa and to characterize the extent of its decline. We compared the current distribution to distributions generated from earlier collections. We found Topeka shiners in six of 22 watersheds where they occurred historically. Status of Topeka shiners was judged to be stable in 27% of the watersheds, at risk in 45% of the watersheds, and possibly extirpated in 27% of the watersheds. None were classified as increasing. Based on comparison of the historical distribution with more recent ones, Topeka shiners in west-central Iowa showed a 27% decline a decade ago and currently exhibits a 73% decline in their distribution. The collective evidence from four of five other states in the species’ range reveal...

The Topeka shiner Notropis topeka is native to Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota and has been federally listed as endangered since 1998. Our goals were to determine the present distribution and qualitative status of Topeka shiners throughout its current range in Iowa and characterize the extent of decline in relation to its historic distribution. We compared the current (2016–2017) distribution to distributions portrayed in three earlier time periods. In 2016–2017 Topeka shiners were found in 12 of 20 HUC10 watersheds where they occurred historically. Their status was classified as stable in 21% of the HUC10 watersheds, possibly stable in 25%, possibly recovering in 8%, at risk in 33%, and possibly extirpated in 13% of the watersheds. The increasing trend in percent decline evident in earlier time periods reversed, going from 68% in 2010–11 to 40% in the most recent surveys. Following decades of decline, the status of Topeka shiners in Iowa appears to be improving. One potential reason for the reversal in the distributional decline of Topeka shiners in Iowa is the increasing number of oxbow restorations. Until a standardized monitoring program is established for Iowa, periodic status assessments such as this will be necessary to chronicle progress toward conserving this endangered fish species.

Topeka shiners (Notropis topeka) were historically abundant throughout many Great Plains streams but their abundance and distribution declined and the species was listed as federally endangered in 1999. However, few studies have examined how Topeka shiner populations are linked to biotic and abiotic factors. Thus, the objectives of this study were to identify trends in Topeka shiner distribution from 1995 to 2008 and determine which fish assemblage and habitat factors were most associated with Topeka shiner distribution in Kansas streams. Fish and in-stream habitat metrics were collected from 34 sites in northeast Kansas in 1995, 2003, and 2008. Stepwise discriminant function analyses (DFA) were used to determine if fish assemblage percent composition and in-stream and landscape habitat factors could be used to differentiate among years and between sites with and without Topeka shiners. Higher percent composition of rosyface shiner (Notropis rubellus) was generally indicative of sites with Topeka shiners ...

Our goal was to identify habitat, fish species, and fish assemblages associated with the occurrence of Topeka Shiners Notropis topeka in stream and off-channel habitat (OCH) of west-central Iowa. Fish assemblages and habitat characteristics were estimated in 67 stream and 27 OCH sites during 2010–2011. Topeka Shiners were sampled in 52% of OCH sites, but in only 9% of stream sites, which supports the hypothesis that OCH is an important component of their life history. Fish assemblages containing Topeka Shiners were different from those that did not contain Topeka Shiners in OCH sites, but this was not evident in stream sites. Results from logistic regression models suggested that Topeka Shiner presence was associated with increased submerged vegetation and abundance of Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas. Contrary to the findings of other studies, the abundance of large piscivorous fishes was not associated with the occurrence of Topeka Shiners. Our results provide new information about the biolog...

A mark–recapture field study was conducted to determine fish passage at 5 concrete box culverts and 5 low-water crossings (concrete slabs vented by culverts) as well as 10 control sites (below a natural riffle) in Flint Hills streams of northeastern Kansas. Additionally, we tested the upstream passage of four fish species native to Great Plains streams (Topeka shiner Notropis topeka, green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus, red shiner Cyprinella lutrensis, and southern redbelly dace Phoxinus erythrogaster) through three simulated crossing designs (box culverts, round corrugated culverts, and natural rock riffles) at water velocities of 0.1 to 1.1 m/s in an experimental stream. The field study indicated that cyprinids were twice as likely to move upstream of box culverts than low-water crossings and 1.4 times as likely to move upstream of control reaches than any crossing type. The best models indicated that the proportion of cyprinids that moved upstream increased with decreased culvert slope and length,...

The Topeka shiner Notropis topeka is an endangered fish species, historically described as inhabiting cool, headwater prairie streams. However, Topeka shiners recently have been found in off-channel habitats with high temperatures and low concentrations of dissolved oxygen. In laboratory experiments to determine whether Topeka shiners can tolerate the conditions in these off-channel habitats for extended periods, we found that their optimum temperature for growth was approximately 27°C and their critical thermal maximum was 39°C at a 31°C acclimation temperature. Topeka shiners grew at dissolved oxygen concentrations as low as 2 mg/L, but at a considerably lower rate than at 4 mg/L and above. The concentration of dissolved oxygen that was lethal for 50% of the fish after 96 h at 26°C was 1.26 mg/L. Growth was reduced by Asian tapeworm infections. Overall, high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen are probably not limiting factors for Topeka shiner populations in most off-channel habitats.

Predicting species distributions has important implications for the conservation and management of freshwater fishes, particularly in areas such as the Great Plains, USA where human impacts have resulted in extirpations and declines for numerous native species. There are a number of statistical approaches for constructing distributional models; the accuracy of each is likely dependent on the nature of the environmental gradients, species responses to those gradients and the spatial extent of the modelling. Thus, it is important to compare multiple approaches across species and habitats to identify the most effective modelling approach. Using geographical information system (GIS) derived characteristics of stream segments as predictors, we tested the model performance of three methodologies - linear discriminant function analysis, classification trees and artificial neural networks (ANN) - for predicting the occurrence of 38 fish species in a Great Plains river basin. Results showed that all approaches predicted species occurrences with relatively high success. ANN generally were the best models, in that they generated the most significant models (35 of 38 species) and most accurately predicted species presence for the greatest number of species (average correct classification ¼ 81.1%). The importance of GIS variables for predicting stream fish occurrences varied among species and modelling techniques, but were generally strong predictors of species distributions, including the federally endangered Topeka shiner Notropis topeka. In summary, predictive models should be viewed as both competitive and complementary methodologies for establishing quantitative linkages between fish species and their environment. Our study demonstrates the potential utility of such an approach for guiding conservation efforts for stream fishes of the Great Plains, USA.

Local extirpations of the federally endangered Topeka Shiner (Notropis topeka) have been linked to the introduction of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides). However, because other native minnow species have persisted at these locations, our objective was to test whether Topeka Shiners were more susceptible to predation by Largemouth Bass than other native minnows. We conducted behavioral observations of Topeka Shiners, Red Shiners (Cyprinella lutrensis), Bluntnose Minnows (Pimephales notatus), and Common Shiners (Luxilus cornutus) in an indoor experimental stream, in which we examined the interactive effects of cover and the presence of a predator on longitudinal and lateral position, height in water column, cover use, and activity of these minnows. Significant differences in habitat use and response to bass were observed among species, but there was no evidence to suggest that Topeka Shiners would be more susceptible to predation than other native species. Subsequent experiments in outdoor ex...

Decision support tools that predict fish distribution over broad spatial scales are needed to assist in planning watershed management and endangered species recovery. We developed a geographical information system model with multivariate logistic regression to rank valley segments for probable occurrence of the endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) using stream condition variables (stream size, groundwater potential, channel slope, streamflow, network position) and land-cover variables (percent pasture, percent trees) in streams characteristic of the North American Great Plains. The stream condition and land-cover models correctly classified 89% and 68% of outcomes (i.e., presence or absence), respectively. Field tests of maps of predicted species distribution resulted in more species occurrences than expected in valley segments classified as high potential for presence and less than expected in low-potential valley segments. Gaps between high-priority segments and protected land parcels were found in all basins. In 37 basins with Topeka shiners, protected land coverage was

The Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) is a small native cyprinid species that has declined throughout its range in the Central Great Plains Region of the United States. Declines of the species have been associated with numerous factors including water quality, physical habitat alteration and predation. The N. topeka occurs in the Moniteau Creek Watershed of Cooper and Moniteau Counties of Central Missouri. We studied the Moniteau Creek population of N. topeka over a 1 y period to identify the primary physical, chemical and biological factors associated with population distributions. Fish community composition, water quality data and physical habitat variables were collected at 20 sites distributed across 8 sub-watersheds. Notropis topeka were collected at 8 of the 20 locations; 3 of these sites represent a recent within-watershed range expansion. Notropis topeka were confined to upper reaches of the sub-watersheds in areas typified by relatively high gradient and coarse substrate conditions. Water ...

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....

Causes for the decline of the federally endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) are unclear. I used a database of fish community samples in Missouri, dating from 1938 to the present, to investigate spatial and temporal patterns of species occurring within the range of N. topeka. I used what is known about other species associated with N. topeka to provide falsifying evidence for the alternative hypotheses for the decline of N. topeka. Seven species showed a strong decline and four showed a strong expansion over time. Strongly declined species were Ameiurus melas, Carpiodes carpio, Hybognathus placitus, Lepomis humilis, N. topeka, Phenacobius mirabilis, and Pimephales promelas. Strongly expanded species were Fundulus notatus, Lepomis macrochirus, Micropterus salmoides, and Semotilus atromaculatus. Notropis topeka retreated to small, high-gradient streams over time, but this was not a general pattern among other species. In the 1990s, declined species were generally less abundant than expanded s...

We examined gut contents of 65 Topeka shiners (Notropis topeka) collected from the Rock River drainage of southwestern Minnesota in 1997. Anecdotal and unpublished information regarding food habits have suggested that the Topeka shiner is largely a benthic or nektonic insectivore. Our results show that it is an omnivore that feeds opportunistically on immature aquatic insects, several kinds of microcrustaceans and other invertebrates, larval fish, algae, vascular plant matter, and detritus. The Topeka shiner functions both as a benthic and nektonic feeder and shows strong trophic similarities to its sister species, the sand shiner (N. ludibundis).

The Topeka shiner Notropis topeka has declined in abundance throughout its historical range in the central U.S. As a result, this minnow was listed as federally endangered in 1999. The objective of our study was to quantitatively assess instream physical, chemical, and biological parameters and landscape-level factors influencing the distribution (i.e., extant or extirpated) of Topeka shiners. We sampled 26 streams in the Flint Hills region of Kansas: 12 sites where Topeka shiners are extant; and 14 sites where they are extirpated. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to test whether variables were different between extant and extirpated sites. Mean catch per effort of largemouth bass in stream pools was higher at extirpated sites, and species diversity by trophic guild and richness in stream pools were higher at extirpated sites. Stepwise logistic regression was used to develop a model to predict whether Topeka shiners were extant or extirpated. Number of small impoundments per watershed a...

The Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) is imperiled by extensive changes in stream hydrology. Responses of shiners to changes or variation in stream hydraulics, however, have not been quantified, hampering conservation efforts. We quantified swimming endurance and behavior for Topeka shiners in a laboratory swim tunnel. Sustained swimming (>200 min) was observed at water velocities of 30–40 cm/s. Prolonged and burst swimming (approximately 10 min to less than 0.1 min) was observed at water velocities of 40–75 cm/s and endurance was negatively correlated with water velocity. Larger individuals (4.4–5.5 cm standard length) exhibited greater sustained swimming ability than smaller individuals (3.0–4.2 cm standard length). Oral grasping of wire mesh within the swim tunnel was frequently employed at moderate water velocities (35–50 cm/s); this behavior may limit downstream displacement of shiners during freshets. Topeka shiners are capable of swimming speeds faster than water velocities which they typica...

We investigated the intestinal parasites of a wild fish population in a Kansas stream to determine the prevalence and abundance of potentially harmful parasites. In total, 180 red shiners (Cyprinella lutrensis) were collected from 6 sites in October–November 2007. Fifteen Asian tapeworms (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi) were recovered from 13 fish (prevalence of 7.2%). Prevalence did not differ among sites; however, B. acheilognathi abundance was greatest at the site of a public fishing area. A total of 39 roundworms (Rhabdochona canadensis) were recovered from 28 fish (prevalence of 15.6%). Prevalence did not differ among sites, nor did abundance. However, mean abundance tended to be about 50% greater at the site of a public fishing area compared to all other sites. This paper documents the presence of both B. acheilognathi and R. canadensis in Kansas and offers a compilation of the known potential impacts these parasites may have on the native, federally endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka).

We have developed a set of eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for the endangered Topeka shiner, Notropis topeka. Allelic diversity at each of these loci was assessed in a single isolated population from eastern South Dakota, USA. The allelic diversity ranged from four to 15 alleles. These are the first microsatellite markers to be reported for this species. These markers are being used in a more thorough study of the population structure throughout the remaining range of this species.

Toxicity tests with ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate were conducted on the endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) to determine if current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) water quality criteria are protective of this species. Results from acute lethal and chronic growth tests are reported for both Topeka shiners and fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Embryo-larval tests were conducted with only fathead minnows because Topeka shiner embryos were not available. Predicted outcomes for Topeka shiner embryo-larval toxicity endpoints were calculated by comparing relationships between growth tests and embryo-larval tests for fathead minnows and extrapolating those relationships to Topeka shiners. Results show that the U.S. EPA's criterion for total ammonia-nitrogen (TAN), 1.24 mg/L when early life stages are present, would be protective, given that our most sensitive result was a predicted maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) for Topeka shiners at 5.63 mg/L TAN, calculated from the fathead minnow chronic embryo-larval test. The U.S. EPA's criterion for nitrite (5 mg/L) would not be protective, given that our most sensitive result was a predicted MATC for Topeka shiners of 3.97 mg/L NO2-N, calculated from the fathead minnow chronic embryo-larval test. However, nitrite is generally transient, and unpublished field data show levels far lower than the criterion. Finally, the U.S. EPA's recommendation of a maximum of 90 mg/L NO3-N for the protection of warmwater fishes would protect Topeka shiners but not fathead minnows. For Topeka shiners, the MATC from the 30-d juvenile growth test was 360 mg/L NO3-N, but for fathead minnows, the MATC was 84 mg/L. More field sampling may be needed to determine if levels comply with criteria, especially in Topeka shiner critical habitat.

Livestock watering holes (i.e., dugouts) are typically constructed in floodplains, yet the influence of dugouts on native prairie fishes is unknown. Such information is necessary for the effective management of native fishes, especially species of concern such as the endangered Topeka shiner ( Notropis topeka ). The goal of our study was to suggest technical guidelines for constructing floodplain wetlands that are compatible with stream fish resources. Specific objectives were to: determine the flood frequencies of the connection between streams and dugouts; determine fish community characteristics in floodplain dugouts; and, associate dugout characteristics with fish assemblages. A total of 20 dugouts within Six Mile Creek watershed, South Dakota, were surveyed seasonally (excluding winter) from fall of 2003 to fall of 2004. Dugouts were categorized according to their lateral floodplain placement (connectivity with the stream and flood frequency of the stream-dugout connection) and longitudinal placement across the watershed. Fishes were sampled in dugouts and adjacent stream reaches with seines and traps. The 21 species making up the stream and dugout fish assemblages were similar. Fish inhabited 65% of the dugouts; 30% contained Topeka shiners. Most fish inhabitance, and all Topeka shiner occurrences, were in dugouts that were headwater sites and were either directly connected to the stream or disconnected and frequently flooded (average 1 in 2 year event). Two dugouts in this latter category contained the most abundant, self-sustaining Topeka shiner populations. Constructing dugouts separate from the stream within frequently inundated zones can provide off-channel habitat for fishes.

The distribution of the Topeka shiner, Notropis topeka, in Kansas centers on the Flint Hills tributaries of the Kansas and Arkansas rivers. A recent collection of a single adult Topeka shiner outside this region in Buck Creek, Jefferson County, Kansas is documented. The Topeka shiner, Notropis topeka (Gilbert), is a threatened fish species in Kansas (Platt et al., 1974; Hlavachick, 1978) and has in most recent times been associated mainly with small streams draining Flint Hills' uplands in the Kansas and Arkansas river systems (Minckley and Cross, 1959; Metcalf, 1966; Cross, 1967; Cross and Collins, 1975). Considering the decimation of N. topeka populations in most Kansas streams, the possibility that other populations exist outside the Flint Hills region is noteworthy, and may be important in the continued survival of this species in Kansas. On 10 March 1980 a single adult Notropis topeka (KU 18601) was obtained by the authors and Scott W. Campbell using a 15 x 4 foot nylon mesh seine from Buck Creek in Jefferson County, Kansas. This capture of N. topeka is the first record of this species in Jefferson County, and the first such capture in the Kansas River system north of the Kansas River and east of the Blue River drainage. Buck Creek is 11-12 km in length and is a direct tributary of the Kansas River which flows through the Osage Cuesta physiographic region of northeastern Kansas (Metcalf, 1966). The site of capture (Sec. 27, T.11S, R.19E) was approximately 2.5 km upstream from the confluence of Buck Creek with the Kansas River, and consisted of a straight portion of the channel with slow current over a clay and gravel substrate with stream depths from 0.5 to 1.0 m. Other species of fishes collected at this locality included: Cyprinus carpio, Semotilus atromaculatus, Phenacobius mirabilis, Notropis umbratilis, N. lutrensis, N. stramineus, Pimephales notatus, Campostoma anomalum, This content downloaded from 157.55.39.102 on Fri, 23 Dec 2016 04:52:42 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 58 TRANSACTIONS OF THE KANSAS ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Catostomus commersoni, Ictalurus melas, Noturus exilis, Lepomis cyanellus, and Etheostoma spectabile. Further collections are necessary in order to ascertain whether the specimen was a stray that made its way into Buck Creek from one of the Flint Hills streams via the Kansas River, or a member of a resident population within the stream. In our opinion, the probability of this individual being a stray from a Flint Hills stream is small. N. exilis is another fish species that is considered very uncommon north of the Kansas River and is a typical resident of streams in the Kansas River system portion of the Flint Hills region (Metcalf, 1966; Cross, 1967). One specimen (KU 18725) was taken on 10 March 1980 at the same locality as the Notropis topeka was captured (Sec. 27, T.1 IS, R.19E) and numerous individuals (KU 18676) were taken on 20 September 1980 (Sec. 3, T. 11S, R.19E).

A new distributional record in Geary County for the slender madtom (Noturus exilis) was documented by Layher and Wood (1986). That record consisted of one specimen (KU 21086) captured on 18 May 1984 from East Branch Humboldt Creek. A second specimen (KU 21424) was taken on 22 April 1986 by Layher and Wood from Davis Creek, Geary County, E 1/2 Sec. 2, T13S, R6E. This collection contained five other species: central stoneroller, Campostoma anomalum, (1 specimen; KU 21417); common shiner, Notropis cornutus (1 specimen; KU 21418); southern redbelly dace, Phoxinus erythrogaster (3 specimens; KU 21422); creek chub, Semotilus atromaculatus (1 specimen; KU 21423); and orangethroat darter, Etheostoma spectabile (1 specimen; KU 21425). The collection from Davis Creek also included three specimens of the rosyface shiner (Notropis rubellus) (KU 21420), and one hybrid, N. rubellus x N. cornutus (KU 21419). These represent the first record of the rosyface shiner in Geary County. Another collection on 22 April 1986, from Dry Creek in Sec. 17, T16S, R7E, Geary County, also contained rosyface shiners (2 specimens; KU 21413). Other fishes in that collection were the topeka shiner, Notropis topeka (1 specimen; KU 21414); redfin shiner, Notropis umbratilis (1 specimen; KU 21415); and orangethroat darter (1 specimen; KU 21416). Collections from numerous other streams in Geary County during the same week did not include either the rosyface shiner or the slender madtom. Previous stream surveys by the Kansas Fish and Game Commission, chiefly in the 1970's, provided no evidence of the occurrence of either species in Geary County (Layher and Brunson, 1986). The rosyface shiner and slender madtom normally inhabit permanently flowing, clear, upland streams with alternating pools and limestone riffles. In the Kansas River basin, both species are most abundant in Flint Hills streams, especially those of the Mill Creek drainage in Wabaunsee County (Metcalf, 1965; Cross, 1967). The Geary County sites are farther west in the Kansas River basin than any localities previously known for either species, but are within the Flint Hills upland; populations of both may long have

Notropis topeka (Gilbert) occurs from "Minnesota and South Dakota south through Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri" (Moore, 1957:134). Compared with distributions of other plains fishes, this range is small. No other fish has a similar area of distribution. In Kansas, N. topeka has been reported from scattered localities that indicate its presence throughout the northern part of the state (Kansas River Basin) and in part of the Arkansas River Basin in south-central Kansas (Fig. 1). Approximately 37 localities are represented, 10 of which are west of 970 longitude. Nine of the 10 western records were obtained between 1882 and 1887 when the first general surveys of fishes were made in Kansas (Gilbert, 1885:98, 1886:210, 1889:39; Cragin, 1885:108; Evermann and Fordice, 1886: 185; Hay, 1888:245, 248, 251, 252 [as Notropis aeneolus Hay], 246). The tenth record is a single specimen (KU 3108) obtained by A. B. Leonard and A. B. Williams from Cherry Creek, Cheyenne County, in April, 1947. Other recent collections west of 970 longitude have not included Topeka shiners. Breukelman (1940a) failed to find them in extensive surveys of streams in northwestern Kansas, and in 1958, Cross and B. C. Nelson did not find N. topeka at any of 30 western localities, including all those cited by Gilbert, Cragin, and Hay. In the Kansas River Basin east of 970 longitude, N. topeka was reported from three localities between 1882 and 1887 (Gilbert, 1884 [types from Shunganunga Creek, Shawnee County, described as Cliola (Hybopsis) topeka], 1886:210; Graham, 1885:73). Graham's record may be erroneous, because it evidently was based on the same collection from the Missouri River that was reported by Jordan and Meek (1886:12-14), who did not list the Topeka shiner from that locality. Breukelman (1940b: 380), reporting on fish in the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History, tabulated 27 specimens from the "Kansas [river], and tributaries not otherwise named." Presumably, this record refers to specimens collected by the State Biological Survey in 1912, from Rock Creek, Douglas County. Jennings (1942: 365) listed N. topeka from two localities, one of which is the only record from the Marais des Cygnes System (Missouri River Drainage). Minckley (1956:353-354) reported one additional locality in the Kansas Basin. The species is now known from many other streams in the eastern part of the basin, mostly in the Flint Hills Region. All of the older records from the Arkansas River System are west of 970 longitude, except for two specimens (formerly Indiana Uni