Syncaris pacifica
Syncaris pacifica | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Malacostraca |
Order: | Decapoda |
Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
Infraorder: | Caridea |
Family: | Atyidae |
Genus: | Syncaris |
Species: | S. pacifica
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Binomial name | |
Syncaris pacifica (Holmes, 1895)
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Synonyms[4] | |
Miersia pacifica Holmes, 1895 |
Syncaris pacifica is an
S. pacifica is one of only four members of the family Atyidae in North America.[7] Genetic studies have been conducted to compare specimens of Syncaris pacifica from various drainages, with the results showing a variety of well-defined genetic variations within these populations.[8] The species has a superficial appearance to its better known marine relatives, and may attain a body length of about 5 centimetres (2.0 in).[citation needed]
Morphology
Syncaris pacifica is a ten-legged
Males and juveniles are always translucent or transparent, while coloration of the sometimes translucent females ranges from dark brown to purple, some with a broad tan
All members of family Atyidae can be distinguished from other shrimp by their overall length as well as the extent length of their pincer-like claws and manifestation of terminal bristles (setae) at the tips of the first and second chelae. A short spine above the eye and the angled articulation of the second chelae with the carpus differentiate the California freshwater shrimp from other shrimp that occur California.[5] A carapace length (reckoned from eye socket to tail-tip) of slightly more than five centimeters can be attained.[citation needed]
Range
The precise historic distribution of Syncaris pacifica is not known, since geologic and climatic changes since the early Quaternary Period have significantly altered river courses of the Northern California coast. Historically, Syncaris pacifica may have occurred as far north as the Klamath River, but reductions of habitat, especially from overgrazing of cattle, along with chemical water pollution has greatly diminished the present range to 17 stream segments in Sonoma, Napa and Marin Counties. These habitat stream segments are sometimes separated by degraded portions of a given creek, effectively leading to a fragmented population. Occurrence is restricted to perennial streams below 100 meters above sea level in elevation and of gradient less than one percent.[10] The stream segments can be grouped as follows:
- Certain stream segments which drain directly to the Pacific Ocean, including Tomales Bay, in Marin and Sonoma Counties
- Sonoma Creek, lower Napa River, Tolay Creek and Petaluma River, all of which drain to the San Pablo Bay
- Certain lower tributaries of the Russian River including the Laguna de Santa Rosa and certain of its tributaries such as Blucher Creek[11]
Habitat and behavior
California freshwater shrimp prefer streams that have water flowing year round with predominately low gradient flows.
As a slow moving species S. pacifica feeds on decomposing vegetation and other detritus, consuming minute diverse particles conveyed by currents to downstream pools. As the water slows, the particles are filtered by the fine network of exposed roots from trees, such as from willows and alders. The California freshwater shrimp merely brush up the food with tufts at the tips of their small
Breeding occurs once per annum during the autumn. Adults attain sexual maturity by the end of their second summer. A female can be expected to generate approximately 50 to 120 eggs per breeding season, which remain attached to the mother for the entire winter. Studies on other family members suggest a lifespan for this species of several years.[15]
Conservation
Syncaris pacifica is a federally listed endangered species,[2] protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 since its initial listing in 1988.[3] Conservation priorities for S. pacifica and associated native aquatic species include:[citation needed]
- Protect and manage S. pacifica populations and habitat once the threats are removed and restorationhas been completed
- Monitor and evaluate S. pacifica habitat conditions and populations
- Assess effectiveness of various conservation efforts
- Conduct research on the biology of the species
- Restore and maintain viable S. pacifica populations at extirpated locations
- Increase public awareness and involvement in the protection of S. pacifica and native cohabitingspecies
- Assess effects of various conservation efforts on cohabiting native species
- Assemble an S. pacifica recovery team
There are individual efforts occurring in various stream segments, one of the most notable being Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed (STRAW), a grassroots conservation program to restore over 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) of Stemple Creek by students at Brookside School in Marin County. In this case students raised money, lobbied legislators and succeeded in obtaining grant funds to prevent cattle grazing within the creek, one of the greatest habitat threats.[16][17]
Although a new location of Syncaris pacifica was found in the 1990s at Olema Creek, the general trend for the population of this organism is decline. For example, 1999 surveys in Marin County found fewer individuals present than a comparable 1997 survey.[18]
See also
- Endangered arthropod
- Miwok
References
- . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ a b "California freshwater shrimp (Syncaris pacifica)". Environmental Conservation Online System. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
- ^ a b 53 FR 43884
- ^ "Syncaris pacifica (Holmes, 1895)". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ a b c "Species account for California freshwater shrimp, Syncaris pacifica". United States Fish and Wildlife Service Office, Sacramento Division. Archived from the original on April 1, 2007.
- ^ doi:10.1651/c-2451.
- ^ .
- ^ Kevin J. Roe. "Systematics, evolution, & conservation: North American atyid shrimp".
- ^ Habitat Requirements of the Endangered California Freshwater Shrimp in Streams on the Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreational Area, United States Geological Survey
- California Department of Fish and Game. Inland Fisheries Endangered Species Program Special Publication 81-1.
- ^ "Our Endangered California Freshwater Shrimp". Blucher Creek Watershed Council.
- California Department of Fish and Game.
- .
- United States Fish & Wildlife Service: 1–3.
- PMID 850693.
- Endangered Species Bulletin. 21 (1). Archived from the originalon May 9, 2007.
- ^ Daniel Strait (January 2005). "Partnerships for a shrimp". United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ "1999 Survey for California freshwater shrimp at five Marin County locations" (PDF).