Hello, everyone.

I'm an undergraduate who's been working on the population genetics and genus-wide phylogeny of freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium), currently under the oversight of Gonzalo Giribet at Harvard. I've visited the San Marcos River several times and, if things work out, will be going to Texas again sometime within the next two weeks.

Specifically, I'd like to investigate some very credible reports of prawns being captured upstream of the dam at Lake Corpus Christi as well as to confirm the presence of introduced M. rosenbergii in the Buffalo Bayou area.

The first could have some important implications for population management, since it doesn't seem to be compatible with our conventional understanding of these prawns' life history (i.e., complete amphidromy and thus larval dependence on saltwater). The second (I've seen photographs of mid-sized specimens from the bay but don't know of any preserved material) would be a new record for Texas, and a possible indication that this species has been expanding its range in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

I plan to collect tissue samples and take photographs for morphometric analysis in addition, but my contacts at Texas State would probably be interested in live specimens as well.

If any of you have familiarity with Texan prawns or with the areas I've mentioned, please let me know.

Thanks,
Alex

Edited by Ouassous, 08 March 2010 - 08:44 PM.

For logistical reasons, the trip has been pushed forward to mid-May/early June.

Again, if anyone has experience with freshwater prawns, the two sites I mentioned, or both, it'd be great to hear from you.

Hey, everyone.

I'll be heading down to Corpus Christi from May 19 to May 23 (most of this time will be spent at the lake, but I plan on driving out for a day or two to Buffalo Bayou as well). If any forum members with dipnets or traps would like to lend a hand, please let me know.

Edited by Ouassous, 12 May 2010 - 03:31 PM.

I wish I could help you, but your shrimp knowledge is greater than mine and your study site far, far away. The best I can do is wish you a successful trip!

During the past 3.5 years, I've been heavily surveying Texas for crayfish and have found Macrobrachium species in a variety of locations. Unfortunately, I've collected few and haven't really learned the different species. But I am starting to be more interested. If you like, I can send data your way. I live less than a mile from Buffalo Bayou and have collected Macrobrachium species there. They are common just below the dam at Highway 6.

For logistical reasons, the trip has been pushed forward to mid-May/early June.

Again, if anyone has experience with freshwater prawns, the two sites I mentioned, or both, it'd be great to hear from you.

Alex,
I am located in South Texas and have not seen rosenbergi here, but we do have a freshwater prawn specie that is native to the area. We had an aquaculture farm that raised Rosenbergii in the early 1990's. If I can help let me know.