8142

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8142
• Author: Horn, M. J.
• Title: Nutritional Limitation of Recruitment in the Razorback Sucker ‎(
• USFW Year: 1996.
• Copyright Material: NO

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63

salmoides) should probably not be applied to Missouri populations CWege and Anderson

1978). Differences in condition factor between the two groups may have nothing to do

with condition but instead refle~t genetic differences that characterize the two stocks

(Miranda and Jackson 1990). Such considerations are necessary to standardize

applications of condition factors. The literature is replete in recent years with examples

of improper and or inappropriate use and interpretation of condition indices (Wege and
Anderson 1978; Cone 1989; Springer et al. 1990; Murphyet al. 1991). The strongest
criticisms are of its applicability across a broad range of populations, of the populations
used to develop it, and as to what it actually predicts (Murphy et al. 1991; Liao et al.
1995).

The primary objective of this study was thus to develop and evaluate a

standardized population condition factor (Kn) combined with a proximal analysis of lipid

content for larval razorback suckers, that could be used to examine spatial and temporal

patterns of condition in wild populations. Length-weight relationships and an associated

condition index, along with analysis of lipid-utilization patterns were derived for a series

of laboratory-raised populations under a variety of feeding regimes. Since a Kn = 1

ideally represents an optimal individual larvae raised under controlled, Ad libitum

feeding and salubrious temperature conditions, determination of such a value should

allow evaluation of the specific effects of feeding and temperature.