Potential for bias in using hybrids between common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) in endocrine studies: a first report of hybrids in Lake Mead, Nevada, U.S.A

Steven L. Goodbred; Reynaldo Patino; Erik Orsak; Prakash Sharma; Shane Ruessler

doi:10.1674/0003-0031-169.2.426

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Potential for bias in using hybrids between common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) in endocrine studies: a first report of hybrids in Lake Mead, Nevada, U.S.A

Steven L. Goodbred·Reynaldo Patino·Erik Orsak·Prakash Sharma·Shane Ruessler

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Abstract

During a 2008 study to assess endocrine and reproductive health of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) in Lake Mead, Nevada (U.S.A.) we identified two fish, one male and one female, as hybrids with goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) based on morphology, lateral line scale count, and lack of anterior barbels. Gross examination of the female hybrid ovaries indicated presence of vitellogenic ovarian follicles; whereas histological evaluation of the male hybrid testes showed lobule-like structures with open lumens but without germ cells, suggesting it was sterile. Because common carp/goldfish hybrids are more susceptible to gonadal tumors and may have different endocrine profiles than common carp, researchers using common carp as a model for endocrine/reproductive studies should be aware of the possible presence of hybrids.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 35.991340960635405° to 36.52177691707085° latitude; -114.93896484374999° to -114.04220581054688° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Steven L. Goodbred, Reynaldo Patino, Erik Orsak, Prakash Sharma, Shane Ruessler. 2013. Potential for bias in using hybrids between common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) in endocrine studies: a first report of hybrids in Lake Mead, Nevada, U.S.A. https://doi.org/10.1674/0003-0031-169.2.426

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