Spawning behavior induction, thermal tolerance and anisakid parasites of the federally endangered tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi)

Three investigations were conducted on the tidewater goby in captive conditions. The first was an experiment to determine the optimal water temperature and photoperiod for inducing spawning behavior in male and females of the species. It was found that each sex was dependent on only one of the factors. Male spawning behavior increased with higher water temperatures while female spawning behavior increased with longer photoperiods. The second experiment aimed to determine the upper and lower temperature limits of the tidewater goby using the CTM method. The critical thermal maximum ranged from 32.9°C to 35.3°C and the critical thermal minimum ranged from 3.45°C to 5.58°C, depending upon acclimation temperature (15°C or 25°C). Lastly, four individual parasites that caused the mortality of tidewater goby in captivity were identified using genetic tools. When analyzed the four individual parasites showed strong evidence of belonging to a new species. All three investigations were aimed at enhancing captive culture techniques of the federally endangered tidewater goby.