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INTRODUCTION The Cibola High Levee Pond (CHLP) study is a cooperative project with the goal of describing the early life history and habitat requirements of the bonytail (Gila elegans) and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus). CHLP represents the only location where both species are successfully producing young. The resulting information will be used to duplicate CHLP on a larger scale to benefit these species elsewhere. This report is organized into six sections. They include: · Physical water quality parameters, · Preliminary analysis of recapture data, · Cover utilization of bony tail, · Predator tank tests, · Miscellaneous studies, · And management recommendations. 1. PHYSICAL WATER QUALITY MEASUREMENTS Physical water quality parameters were measured at 0.5 m depth intervals through the vertical water column during most field trips. Measurements were taken at the pond's deepest location which was approximately 15 m west of the river levee. Parameters were measured using a Hydrolab@ and included: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and conductance. A Peabody/Ryan paper chart recorder was placed near the southern shoreline to record surface temperatures. ~onductance - Salinity at CHLP fluctuates seasonally in response to river flow. Conductance peaked at 11 06 ~S/cm in January and gradually declined to 980 ~S/cm in June (Figure 1). Pond conductance is directly linked to evaporation and water exchange rates from the river. Its cyclic nature demonstrates the hydraulic connectivity of these two bodies of water. It is speculated that higher spring flows may increase the hydraulic pressure and volume of groundwater entering the pond from the river and exiting toward Pretty Water. Pronounced evaporation by mid-summer (July) combined with decreasing flows in late fall causes salinity to rise. This water exchange maintains lower pond salinity than what would be expected if the site was hydraulically isolated (BR 2004). Conductance IJS/cm . c.. 1150 1100 1050 1000 950 .... ~ ........ .............. ......... .... 1/27 2/24 3/10 4/26 5/4 5/19 6/23 7/27 Figure 1. Surface conductance (~S/cm) taken at Cibola High Levee Pond during 2004. 2