Geology topics

E.W. Chilton

Publications and source records attributed to E.W. Chilton.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2011

Effects of fish predation on invertebrates associated with a macrophyte in Lake Onalaska, Wisconsin

We tested the effects of fish predation on the macroinvertebrates associated with Vallisneria americana (Michx) by using enclosure/exclosure experiments in lake Onalaska, Wisconsin. Four treatments were used: open water (cageless) controls, cage-effect controls (partially enclosed cages), exclosures (all fish removed), and enclosures (cages stocked with a known density of bluegills Lepomis macrochirus, Rafinesque). Bluegill predation at the density tested (one 70 mm fish per 0.37m 2 ) did not depress Vallisneria associated invertebrate density. Mean invertebrate abundance and biomass (number and dry weight of invertebrates per g dry plant weight) increased in both exclosures and enclosures relative to open water controls. The most likely explanation is that the cages excluded some vertebrate predator(s) from those two treatments and decreased predation pressure within the cages. Large invertebrates, such as Hyalella azteca, Enallagma sp., Gyraulus sp., and Physa sp., increased in abundance within cages, whereas, small invertebrates such as chironomid larvae decreased in abundance.

Wisconsin↗

USGS2011

Macroinvertebrate communities associated with three aquatic macrophytes (Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum, and Vallisneria americana) in Lake Onalaska, Wisconsin

The standing crop and species diversity of macroinvertebrates associated with wild celery (Vallisneria americana), Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), and coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) were examined in Lake Onalaska, Pool 7 of the upper Mississippi River, during summer 1983. Although Ceratophyllum generally supported the largest invertebrate standing crop (number per g plant dry weight), differences in invertebrate abundance among plant species were not consistent across time. However, the distribution of several taxa were significantly affected by plant species. Hyalella azteca (overall the most abundant species) and Enallagma spp. (the most abundant predator) were consistently most numerous in Ceratophyllum samples and least abundant in Vallisneria samples. Generally, invertebrate community composition differed significantly among plant species throughout the summer.

Wisconsin↗

USGS1991

System for maintaining sediment suspensions during larval fish studies

A new system was developed for maintaining suspensions of inorganic solids during laboratory studies on early life stages of fish. Microfine bentonite was successfully held in suspension in specially constructed units during a 21-d fishless test, a 28-d experiment with juvenile green sunfish (lepomis cyanellus), and four shorter experiments (5-9 d) with four species of larval fishes, white sucker (catostomus commersoni), northern pike (esox lucius), channel catfish (ictalurus punctatus), and walleye (stizostedion vitreum). Each experiment on larval fish was conducted until the yolk-sac had been absorbed. Concentrations of bentonite ranged from 0 to 728 mg/l. Each unit consisted of a holding chamber set in a stainless steel bowl and two submersible pumps that recirculated the suspension. Turbidity readings remained nearly constant throughout each experiment. Because the turbidity of suspensions was well correlated with bentonite concentration ( r 2 = 0.989) And easy to measure, turbidity was used as an indicator of concentration. The system is inexpensive, easy to assemble, and does not require a diluter system to maintain constant concentrations of suspended material.

Progressive Fish-Culturist↗

USGS1986

Invertebrate communities associated with Bangia atropurpurea and Cladophora glomerata in western Lake Erie

The appearance of the marine alga Bangia atropurpurea (Rhodophyta) in Lake Erie has been followed by its rapid dispersal throughout the eulittoral zone of the lake. Bangia was extensively sampled to determine its suitability as a habitat for littoral organisms. Present data indicate that the only organisms capable of maintaining populations on Bangia filaments are larval Chironomidae. Cladophora supports a larger and more diverse community. It is concluded that the mucilaginous cell wall of Bangia provides a less stable substrate for attached or clinging organisms than does the cellulose cell wall of Cladophora. The presence of Bangia in the littoral zone of Lake Erie results in a reduction of the quantity and diversity of algal epiphytes and may negatively impact the littoral food web.

Journal of Great Lakes Research↗