Migration, Movements and Habitat Preferences of Colorado Squawfish, Ptychocheilus lucius, in the Green, White and Yampa Rivers, Colorado and Utah

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Abstract
A total of 31 Colorado squawfish, P. lucius [an endangered species] was collected from the green River in 1980 and the Green, White and Yampa rivers in 1981. The fish were surgically implanted with radiotransmitter modules and their movement monitored for up to 5 mo. each year. Two movement patterns were linked to fish maturity: mature fish were highly mobile; immature fish were sedentary. A spawning migration of up to 205 km 1-way was documented in 1981. Fish migrated upstream and downstream to reach a common spawning ground in the lower Yampa River canyon. Diel studies indicated no diel rhythm in movement existed until after spawning, when the fish were more active from 0800-1200 h. Colorado squawfish were monitored primarily in shoreline habitat over sand substrates. There were significant differences recorded for water depths and velocities selected by Colorado squawfish between the Green, White and Yampa rivers, but no difference occurred between 1980 and 1981 values recorded in the Green River.

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