Observations of Rio Grande silvery minnow Hybognathus amarus using a fish passage structure

Authors: Thomas P. Archdeacon, W. Jason Remshardt

Year: 2010 (xlii)

Abstract

Fragmentation of fluvial habitats is a cause of decline of many species of fishes, particularly pelagic-spawning minnows. Construction of fish passageways might help alleviate some effects of barriers on streams. Rio Grande silvery minnow Hybognathus amarus, a federally endangered species, have the physiological capability of long-distance upstream migrations and in laboratory trials will use model fish passageways; however, in-stream use of fish passageways has not been documented. To determine if Rio Grande silvery minnow would use in-stream fish passageways, we implanted minnows with passive integrated transponders and a used passive scanning station to document upstream movements >10 km and use of an in-stream rock channel fish passageway on the Rio Grande, Albuquerque, New Mexico. We conclude Rio Grande silvery minnow will use appropriately constructed fish passageways. Construction of passageways might help reduce some impacts of habitat fragmentation in the middle Rio Grande on Rio Grande silvery minnow.