New artificial streams for spawning spikedace (Meda fulgida) at Bubbling Ponds Research Facility

Authors: David L. Ward

Year: 2009 (xli)

Abstract

Construction of 5 new artificial streams for spawning spikedace (Meda fulgida) were completed in April of 2009 at Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery, AZ. These new artificial streams are fiberglass raceways made from recycled military surplus shipping containers. Each stream measure 4.7 m long, 1.1 m wide and 0.7 m deep and is set up to mimic a natural stream environment. As larval fish swim-up they are automatically separated from adult fish and moved to the sump by the flowing water. Each stream receives 4 L/min of fresh water at 20° C from an artesian well and has two recirculation pumps that generate either base flow (227 L/min), or simulated flood flows, (984 L/min) to induce spawning. When both pumps are in operation water velocities approach 1 m/sec allowing sediments to remain suspended and simulate high turbidity flood events. Each raceway functions independently allowing distinct populations of fish to be maintained without mixing. These new streams are a valuable resource for spawning and maintaining genetically distinct populations of endangered stream fishes for reintroduction purposes.