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age-0 fish undergo. In addition, because of their small size and limited energetic reserves, eazly life stages are susceptible to a greater variety of harsh conditions and controlling factors compazed to juvenile and adult fish. The life-history model was based on recent literature, ongoing research, and our personal experiences. Researchers who aze familiaz with Colorado squawfish will fmd some parts of the life-history model useful, but may disagree with the importance of other components. We encourage critical review of the model because other researchers will undoubtedly have different knowledge and perspectives regazding factors that influence Colorado squawfish recruitment. We advocate that the life-history model be used as a foundation for future investigations and hope that it will serve as a useful tool for developing. and testing hypotheses related to factors that control recruitment of Colorado squawfish. Over time, the life-history model should be revised as gaps in life history knowledge are identified and studied, and alternative hypotheses aze supported or refuted. For example, age-0 and age-1 fish in winter habitat may be divided into sepazate model components if future studies suggest a basis for doing so. This evolution of the life-history model is consistent with the scientific basis of endangered fish research in the Colorado River Basin, and adaptive management of Colorado squawfish populations. Despite the reality that uncertainty exists in our understanding of Colorado squawfish recruitment processes, the life-history model provides an efficient means for organizing and presenting the current state of knowledge. We are encouraged that the utility of the life-history model has already been realized by another group of researchers who have used it as a template to organize life history information for endangered humpback chub Gila cypha (L. Lentsch, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, pers. comm.). 5