7307

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7307
• Author: Tyus, H. M., C. W. McAda and B. D. Burdick.
• Title: Radiotelemetry of Colorado Squawfish and Razorback Sucker, Green River System of Utah, 1980.
• USFW Year: 1981.
• USFW - Doc Type: Vernal, Utah.
• Copyright Material: NO

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°~ RADIOTELEMETRY OF COLORADO SQUAWFISH AND RAZORBAC!':
,~ ~ SUCKER,'GREEN RIVER SYSTEM OF UTAH, 1980
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H.M. Tyus, C.W. McAda and B.D. Burdick
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Vernal, Utah 84078
ABSTRACT
Six Colorado squawfish and one razorback sucker were
captured in the Green River, implanted with radiotransm~it-
ters, and released. Fish were tracked with varying success,
contact lasting from 14 days to 42 months for different
f;ch_ Colorado Sq!lawf;ch exhibited twn types of movement
patterns that may be linked to sexual maturity. The razor-
back sucker was relatively sedentary. Although conductiivi-
ties affected radio transmission range, the shallow nature
of the Green River in the study area partially compensai:ed
for this difficulty.,
INTRODUCTION
A radiotelemetry program was initiated~by the U.S. Fish and Wild-
life Service in the Green River, Utah March 1980. The object:ive of
this work included an investigation of major movements, habitat pref-
erence and spawning of Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus luc=ius).
This effort was integrated into an ongoing study of endangerf~d fishes
(Miller et al. 1980}. In addition to work done on the Colorado squaw-
fish observations were also made on a razorback sucker (Xyrauchen
texanus).
This paper addresses radiotelemetry techniques and major movements
of these two rare fish species during the 1980 field season; it does not
presume to provide completed results of the radiotelemetry pr°ogram. An
expanded investigation is planned for 1981.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
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Six Colorado squawfish (TL 508-707 mm) and one razorback; sucker (TL
510 mm) were captured by electrofishing in the Green River nc~ar Ouray,
Utah. Fish were anesthetized with MS 222 and surgically impllanted with
radiotransmitters immediately after capture. Surgical procedure was
similar to Bidgood (1980) except. for several departures. Sui:ures were in-
dividual (usually five) rather than the continuous 'suture usE~d by Bidgood
and the incision was made laterally, immediately anterior anti slightly