Towards a better understanding of Blue Suckers: validation of age determination methods & estimating the influence of temperature on aerobic scope & swimming performance

Duration

October 2016 - August 2019

Narrative

This study will provide information on two critical aspects of the biology of Blue Sucker Cycleptus elongatus [state threatened] and Rio Grande Blue Sucker Cycleptus c.f. elongatus [SGCN] necessary for developing effective conservation and management plans for the species. First, the study will validate age estimation methods used for blue suckers throughout Texas and the rest of the United States and provide a means of assessing the accuracy and precision of age estimates. In addition, this study will use swim tunnel respirometry to evaluate the influence of temperature and dissolved oxygen on the swimming performance of blue suckers. This information will allow for an assessment of how stream discharges influence the fish' ability to migrate and utilize spawning habitat.