Comparison of Larval Myomere Counts Among Species of Nocomis in Virginia (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae)

Authors

Terre D. Green, Science Museum of Virginia, University of Richmond
Eugene G. Maurakis, Science Museum of Virginia, University of RichmondFollow

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.25778/5zhk-gz49

Abstract

Larval myomere counts of Nocomis platyrhynchus were made using a dissecting light microscope equipped with polarizing filters, and then compared to those of the three other species of Nocomis (Nocomis leptocephalus, Nocomis micropogon, and Nocomis raneyi) found in Virginia. Average preanal myomere counts for N. platyrhynchus (26.9) were significantly different from those of the other three species (N. raneyi =28.7; N. micropogon =26.0; and N. leptocephalus =25.9). This is especially important as larvae of N. leptocephalus, the only other species of Nocomis syntopic with N. platyrhynchus in the upper New River drainage, can now be distinguished from those of N. platyrhynchus. Larvae of N. raneyi also can be distinguished from those of other species of Nocomisin Virginia based on preanal myomere counts. However, larvae of N. platyrhynchus and N. raneyi cannot be distinguished from each other based on total myomeres (42.0 versus 41.7). Larvae of N. platyrhynchus can be distinguished from those of three of its nest associates (Lythrurus ardens, Notropis rubellus, and Phoxinus oreas), but not from Campostoma anomalum and Luxilus chrysocephalus using myomere counts.

Recommended Citation

Green, Terre D. and Maurakis, Eugene G. (2000) "Comparison of Larval Myomere Counts Among Species of Nocomis in Virginia (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae)," Virginia Journal of Science: Vol. 51: No. 1, Article 2.
DOI: 10.25778/5zhk-gz49
Available at: https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol51/iss1/2