Study into the effects of the lampricide TFM on the common mudpuppy was first initiated in 1987; it compares mudpuppy population size at a site in the Grand River, Lake County, Ohio, over time as influenced by TFM.
The method used statistically compares population estimates through mark/recapture methodology. Temporally, the method of marking has improved from using toe-clipping, then T-tags, and in recent years PIT-tags (passive integrated transponder).
More recently, lab dissections of preserved specimens have provided gonadal sex data and subsequently provided the opportunity to metrically compare ova diameter at various times of the year. This information has been applied to the evaluation of sustainability of the species in a stream periodically treated with lampricide.
Study of the movement patterns and activity range of mudpuppies is a long-term project using the animals marked with PIT tags in the TFM study. During the marking process the latitudinal and longitudinal location where the mudpuppy was found is recorded. Following multiple recaptures, the activity range (area in square meters) can be mathematically determined.