Laurel Dace (Chrosomus saylori) reproductive behaviors

This thesis focuses on observations of the reproductive behaviors of the Laurel Dace (Chrosomus saylori), an endangered fish species in which reproductive behaviors have not been previously documented in a scientific publication. I worked with the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI) to determine the reproductive behaviors for the Laurel Dace. The results from this study will be used to inform the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) on the likely reproductive behaviors of Laurel Dace and to help these agencies determine the best protocols for a future propagation program to facilitate captive breeding by this species. These results will potentially be used to better inform the USFWS and the TWRA on how to best manage this federally endangered species. Along with this study, this thesis includes a literature review on the Laurel Dace