9488

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9488
• Author: Mueller, G. A., J. Carpenter, P. C. Marsh and C. O. Minckley.
• Title: Cibola High Levee Pond Annual Report 2003.
• USFW Year: 2003.
• USFW - Doc Type: Fort Collins.
• Copyright Material: NO

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Recordings were reviewed using a VHS editor, which time-referenced each 2-hour tape
recording. Recordings were paused at precise 5-min intervals. Fish and tadpoles were
counted for that single frame and then the tape was pl<;tyed for 60-sec as additional
organisms were counted. Based on these counts and area assumptions, the occurrence of
razorback sucker, bonytail, and bullfrog tadpoles were converted to organisrn/~ for
single frame counts. Number of organisms/m2 provides an approximation of density
while organisms/l-min provides an indicator of activity since a single organism could be
viewed more than once. Unique behavior was also noted in the monitoring log.

Results and Discussion

More than 124 hours of underwater monitoring was recorded. All but four hours
(control) were directed at bonytail and razorback sucker spawning activity.

Razorback Sucker. Razorback suckers were already spawning when field activities
started 18 February, 2003. Groups of adults were seen schooling along the river levee.
Actual spawning events caused plumes of sediment to 'boil' to the surface and then
gradually disperse. Snorkeling revealed the substrate was comprised of cobble and large
gravel. Spawning occurred on the levee's toe, or the deepest area of the pond. Disturbed
substrate extended 3 m from the levee's toe and ran parallel to the levee for
approximately 30 m (90 m2). Depth ranged from 1 to 2 m and gradually increased to
2-3 m as water elevation increased in response to rising river stage. Surrounding
substrates were covered with approximately 10 cm of fine sediment.

Spawning continued well into March as eggs were discovered on the 19th and larvae were
collected on 24 March. Water temperature during spawning ranged from 15.3 to 20.10 C
(bottom temperature, Fig. 1). Spawners had dispersed and bonytails were finally
observed in the area by 1 April, 2003.

25
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c. 21
E 19
~ 17
15

_ Bottom Temp
__ Surface Temp

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Figure 1. Water temperature taken at the surface and bottom of Cibola High Levee Pond,
Arizona-California.

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