Browsing by Author "Gilbert, Jesse"
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item A coral’s true colors: Understanding color hues to assess coral health and welfare(2022-04) Herrera, Gabriella; Good, Alexandra M.; Hirota, Alexander; Razal, Catherine; Gaertner, Nicole; Sefcik, Justin; Gilbert, Jesse; Bahr, Keisha D.Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems on Earth and various methods are utilized to monitor and assess coral health. But there is not a standardized method for quantifying coral health for corals held in captivity in zoos and aquariums. Therefore, a health assessment card using coral color to non-invasively monitor coral health was developed with the Texas State Aquarium (TSA). To quantify coral health, individual corals of each species were photographed in a controlled environment to develop color profiles. Simultaneously, nondestructive measurements of “health” were assessed using Pulse- Amplitude Modulation Fluorometry. These photosynthetic efficiency measurements determine how efficiently the symbiotic algae provides energy to the coral host. This project successfully corresponded photosynthetic efficiency to coral color to develop a Coral Health Assessment Card for all species at TSA. By implementing a standardized assessment of coral health, TSA can effectively and rapidly assess the health of their corals improving overall coral wellness. Consequently, the results of this work support TSA’s mission to support wildlife conservation by promoting education and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems through their interactive exhibits.Item Impacts of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) range expansion on habitat preference of salt marsh killifish (Fundulus spp.)(2021-12) Kaalstad, Simen; Devlin, Donna J.; Proffitt, C. Edward; Gilbert, JesseIn response to warming global temperatures, the geographic range of tropical mangrove forests have expanded their range into temperate salt marshes at higher latitudes. The transition in the dominant vegetation of the intertidal zone from herbaceous (i.e., Spartina alterniflora) to woody plants (i.e., Avicennia germinans) is changing the intertidal landscape by altering the structural complexity of the vegetation. Consequences of this transition on resident fauna are largely unknown. To understand what effect this will have on the biological interactions of the Texas coast in the Gulf of Mexico we investigated how the displacement of salt marsh habitats by mangrove forests might alter the habitat preferences of salt marsh killifish (Family Fundulidae), an important consumer and trophic link within coastal wetlands. A mesocosm experiment was conducted in natural vegetation matrices using Fundulus similis to assess the habitat preference of Fundulus between salt marsh (S. alterniflora) and mangrove (A. germinans) habitats. Overall, the proportion of fish present among salt marsh and mangrove habitats did not vary significantly, while 33-83% of individuals switched habitats throughout the experiment. A secondary statistical analysis indicated Fundulus did, however, prefer vegetated over non-vegetated habitats. These results suggest that killifish do not exhibit a preference for either habitat in the absence of a predator nor is habitat preference attributed to schooling behavior. Individuals moved between habitats over a relatively short time-period and are likely resilient to the climate-driven shift toward mangrove dominance at the marsh-mangrove ecotone along the northern Gulf of Mexico.Item Public aquariums as a potential source of marine fish for exhibits and conservation(2022-12) Castanier, Jessie; Portnoy, David; Scarpa, John; Geist, Simon; Gilbert, JesseThe marine aquarium trade relies on wild fisheries for 98% of ornamental reef species for display. Overexploitation and harmful collection techniques threaten native fish populations and reef ecosystems. Public aquaria can contribute an untapped source of fishes by rearing eggs and larvae from volitional spawning events. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that pelagic eggs and larvae collected from the mixed species Living Coral Reef (LCR) exhibit at the Texas State Aquarium (TSA) can be distinguished to species level based on unique morphological characteristics and barcoding. A floating collector was placed into the exhibit once per week for nine weeks to collect eggs and larvae from volitional spawning events. Fin clips were obtained from adult fishes in the exhibit for genetic reference and preserved in 20% salt-saturated dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) until processing. Eggs and larvae were identified molecularly using DNA barcoding at the CO1 sequence region. Eggs of smallmouth (Brachygenys chyrsargyreum) and cottonwick (Haemulon melanurum) grunts were genetically identified and showed significantly different (p > 0.0001) mean egg diameters (± s.d.) of 860 ± 45 µm and 972 ± 30 µm, respectively. Bicolor damselfish (Stegastes partitus) larvae, 1 day post hatch, were recognized by characteristic brain, stomach, and ventral pigmentation. This work provides a verification of techniques for collecting eggs and larvae in public aquariums. Identification of eggs and larvae in mixed species exhibits may allow for more efficient sorting and subsequent larval culture. Further research can increase conservation efforts in public aquaria by strengthening the capacity to promote sustainable sources of marine ornamentals through exhibits and outreach.