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To verify these conclusions obtained from the SI curves the optimum <br />depths and velocities are compared to the mean microhabitat values <br />reported in Tyus, Jones and Trinca (1987; Table 4). According to these <br />authors, adult Colorado squawfish occupy a variety of habitats with mean <br />depths and velocities of 1.Sm (5.9 ft) and 0.25 m/s (0.82 f/s), <br />respectively. They are found predominately in eddies and runs along <br />shorelines, over sand and silt substrates. In comparison the SI curve <br />suggests an optimum velocity of 0.00 f/s, which is slightly lower than <br />that observed. The breeding adults deposit and fertilize eggs on cobble <br />bars with mean depths and velocities around 3.09 ft and 1.58 f/s (Tyus et. <br />al 1987). This is slightly deeper and slower than the optimum previously <br />stated. The razorback sucker uses main channel habitat in depths ranging <br />from 0.6 to 3.4 m (1.97 to 11.16 ft) and are most common in runs near <br />shore in spring, and on mainchannel sand bars composed of unconsolidated <br />coarse sand in summer. Water depths on the sand bars were usually less <br />than 2 m (6.56 ft) with an average water velocity of 0.5 m/s (1.64 f/s). <br />In general these habitat descriptions coincide with the depth/velocity <br />ratings represented by the SI curves for razorback suckers. <br />According to Bovee (1982), when field observations do not verify the <br />conclusions of the SI curves in question, it is customary to modify the <br />curves to reflect the habitat selection. Thus for comparison the SI <br />curves were adjusted to include the mean depths and velocities observed by <br />Tyus, Jones and Trinca. It is assumed that the means observed represent <br />optimum habitat, and therefore, they have been assigned a rating of one. <br />It is likewise assumed that as long as a minimum depth is maintained, <br />depth will not influence habitat selection. Morelikely a species will <br />13 <br />