3504

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 3504
• Author: Brooks, J. E.
• Title: Reintroduction and Monitoring of Colorado Squawfish ‎(
• USFW Year: 1986.
• Copyright Material: NO

radiotelemetered by Tyus et al. (1981), 3 did not move, 1 moved
25 km and the remaining 2 moved 35b and 455 km, respectively.
Tyus et al. (1985) did demonstrate considerable movement ('L 61.5
km) for six squawfish radiotelemetered during June-July 1981.
However, results of radiotelemetry studies of twenty-two and
twenty-one squawfish in 1982 and 1983, respectively, by Miller et
al. (1984) demonstrated little movement. In 1982 one implanted
squawfish moved 32U km while the remaining twenty-one each moved
less than 65 km. Ten squawfish monitored during spring 1983
moved less than 50 km (remainder monitored during fall 1982).
Movements, seemingly random, were both up and downstream. Data
pertaining to habitats vacated and/or occupied were not presented
so such comparisons are not readily made. Thus, insufficient
data exist to support the theory that squawfish home. The
potential for this type of behavior should be investigated
further due to obvious implications regarding recovery
protocol. For example, Tyus et al. (1985) expressed concern that
non-homing, hatchery-reared squawfish could compete with resident
squawfish for food and space yet not contribute to reproduction
and population replacement.
In conclusion, Colorado squawfish reintroduced into the Salt
and Verde rivers should be evaluated for short term dispersal
(immediately after stocking), long term survival and homing.
Predation by introduced fishes may be lessened by size of fish
and time of year stocked. Ongoing studies during monitoring will
identify and establish priorities for management and research
needs.
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