Summary
The armored catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp.) is considered one of the most invasive fishes in the world and it is a matter of concern because of its potential impacts as an ecosystem engineer. As it invades novel habitats the armored catfish can drastically affect nutrient cycles and contribute to fish imperilment. Recently, this invasive catfish has expanded throughout the Usumacinta Basin, which harbors the richest ichthyofauna in Central America. In this region, a large abundance of this species has been recorded which lead to local concerns related to conservation and fisheries. I will sample fish in along the San Pedro River and La Pasion River, tributaries of the Usumacinta, to investigate potential impacts of the catfish invasion on local fish assemblages and food webs. Committee members: Dr. Kirk Winemiller, Dr. Jacquelyn Grace, Dr. Josh Perkin, Dr. William Rogers. Field work 2019 Fieldwork was conducted in the dry season with support from the Russell E. Train Fellowship, the Rufford Foundation, Asociación Balam-Estación Biológica Las Guacamayas, the School of Biology, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (Escuela de Biología y Departamento de Análisis inorgánico de la Facultad de C.C. Q.Q. y Farmacia, y el Departamento de Sanidad Acuícola-Centro de Estudios del Mar y Acuicultura), Autoridad para el Manejo y Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del Lago Petén Itzá (AMPI) local biologist, fishermen and undergraduate students. Work in progress Data will be analyzed and samples for stable isotope analysis will be processed at the Winemiller Aquatic Ecology Laboratory at Texas A&M University. |