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<br />) ~ ... <br /> <br />Videography revealed spawning characteristics similar to those described by Minckley <br />(1973, 1983). Fish, mostly males (80-90%), 'cruised' over the spawning area and often <br />lay on the bottom presumably .l'~'aiting the arrival of ripe females. Typically, females <br />attracted several males who would position their bodies against the females' posterior. <br />Spawning occurs when the fish settled to the bottom and violently vibrated in unison for <br />2 to 4 sec. During this process, gametes were released, mixed, and driven into the <br />interspaces of the gravel. The event caused considerable turbidity, which immediately <br />attracted other razorback suckers that apparently fed on exposed eggs. Fish continued to <br />feed in the area for 5 to 10 min, the period during which we assumed all exposed eggs <br />were consumed. <br /> <br />The density of spawning razorback suckers observed on the spawning site averaged 4.76 <br />fishlm2 (range of 1.19 - 9.0; n=286). Based on the size of the area (90 m2) and the 2002 <br />population estimate of 1,100 fish, this would suggest that nearly one third of the sucker <br />population was typically in the spawning area. <br /> <br />Razorback suckers would often lie quietly on the bottom in front of the camera. The <br />species has the ability to roll and expose the reflective lining (sclera) of its eyes which <br />causes a distinctive white reflection (photos 5 & 6). This unique peculiarity proved to be <br />relatively common (n=>50). Its purpose, if any, is not understood, however, it is difficult <br />to imagine such a distinctive display not having some purpose for such a highly <br />camouflaged fish. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Photos 5 & 6. A comparison of a razorback sucker "winking" and not winking its eyes. <br /> <br />Bonytail. We did not witness any daytime schooling over spawning sites as we did last <br />year. Bonytai1 were not seen from the bank or by snorkeling. Spawners were recorded <br />by underwater videography during the second week of April. Fungused eggs were found <br />between'the 8th of April and the 6th of May, which suggests spawning occurred during <br />most of April when water temperatures ranged from 20.4 to 21.6 C (Figure 1). <br /> <br />9 <br />