Assessment of Headwater Catfish (Ictalurus lupus) genetics in Texas & New Mexico

Authors: Megan Bean, Dijar Lutz-Carrillo, Joanna Hatt, Brian Ferguson, Joshuah Perkin, Stephanie Parker

Year: 2022

Abstract

Putative Headwater Catfish (Ictalurus lupus) were collected from drainages in Texas and New Mexico and sequenced at the Cytochrome b gene (Cyt b) to determine taxonomic status. Populations were also assessed for hybridization with Channel Catfish. Catfish samples collected from the Gila River and Beaver Creek in New Mexico produced two haplotypes among all samples - one associated with Headwater Catfish and one associated with Channel Catfish. Assessment of the Balmorhea State Park population in Texas revealed 20% of samples were hybrids of Headwater Catfish and Channel Catfish and all hybrids took the form of potential F1s. Population assessment will also be presented for other Texas populations.