Measuring Activity Levels in Razorback Sucker Xyrauchen texanus and Flannelmouth Sucker Catastomus Latipinnis

Authors: Robert Chadwick, David Rogowski, Crosby Hedden

Year: 2021

Abstract

The Razorback Sucker, Xyrauchen texanus, and the Flannelmouth Sucker, Catastomus latipinnis, are both native to the Colorado River basin. Razorback Suckers have been listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1991, and are still critically endangered, while Flannelmouth Suckers are a species of special concern in Arizona. Extensive effort is devoted to both recovery actions and monitoring for Razorback Suckers. Understanding activity levels, i.e. movement during different times of day, of this species may have important implications for stocking and monitoring. We are proposing to investigate diel activity levels of Flannelmouth and Razorback Suckers. Fish will be monitored with a camera taking photos every 15 seconds over the course of 72 hours. Understanding of Razorback and Flannelmouth Sucker diel activity may suggest optimal times of the day to stock Razorback Sucker which may decrease mortality of stocked fish and might be helpful for designing more effective sampling methods for both species and benefit the conservation of the Flannelmouth and Razorback sucker.