Abstract
Abstract The total length (L, mm)-weight (W, g) relationship for 153 blue suckers (Cycleptus elongatus) collected from areas of swift current in Pool 20, Mississippi River, was log10W = −6.69 + 3.59(log10L). Condition factors (K = 105W/L) were 0.74−1.1; they increased with increasing fish size, and varied among months (March-October) and between years (1977–1978). Fin rays had more discernible annuli than scales after age VII. The largest blue sucker collected was age X (scales) or XIII (fin rays) and 817 mm long. Males generally reached sexual maturity at age IV, females at age VI. Males had nuptial tubercles during April, but no ripe females were found. For six females aged VI-IX (617–736 mm), the fecundity (Y, number of 1-mm diameter eggs)-length relationship was Y = −375,100 + 771.5L. Blue suckers ate primarily Tricoptera and Diptera larvae and pupae, and lesser numbers of Ephemeroptera larvae and amphipods.
Published Version
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