Razorback Sucker, Xyrauchen texanus, telemetry and small-bodied fish community sampling in the Lower Grand Canyon, Arizona

Authors: Ronald B. Kegerries, Brandon Albrecht, Judith M. Barkstedt, W. Howard Brandenburg, Adam L. Barkalow, Steven P. Platania, Mark C. McKinstry, Brian D. Healy

Year: 2014 (xlvi)

Abstract

Movement of sonic-tagged Razorback Sucker, Xyrauchen texanus , between the Colorado River inflow area of Lake Mead (CRI) and the lower Grand Canyon (LGC) has been documented since 2011. In 2013 sonic-tagged fish were located as far upstream as Spencer Creek (River Mile [RM] 246) and near wild, adult Razorback Suckers captured in 2012 and 2013. As part of a larger study, sonic telemetry and small-bodied fish community sampling was conducted throughout the LGC from Lava Falls (RM 180) downstream to Pearce Ferry (RM 280). Since telemetry efforts began at the CRI in 2010, 19 sonic-tagged fish have been released within the inflow portion of Lake Mead. In 2013, 10 sonic-tagged Razorback Sucker were released near Separation Canyon (RM 240). For this study, nine additional sonic-tagged Razorback Suckers were released just below Lava Falls (RM 180) in March 2014. A total of seven trips were conducted for submersible ultrasonic receiver (SUR) installation, tracking, and small-bodied sampling. A total of 25 sonic-tagged Razorback Sucker were contacted; three of which were originally released in the Colorado River inflow area and contacted within the lower Grand Canyon. Additionally, two sonic-tagged fish originally released in the lower Grand Canyon were found below Pearce Ferry and into the CRI. Small-bodied fish sampling revealed the strong presence of native fish throughout the LGC; however, no Razorback Suckers were captured via small-bodied seining in 2014.

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