Spatial Dynamics and Growth of Two Native Species of Catostomids: are Movements Restricted?

Abstract

Abstract We investigated movement and growth of two common suckers, Catostomus clarki and Catostomus insignis, in three streams that represent the broad environmental tolerances of these species. There was limited evidence of restricted movement in C. clarki, with many individuals moving 600 m and 50–90% of recaptured individuals detected outside the original location of capture. Catostomus insignis was more sedentary than C. clarki with only 25% recaptured outside of the original location of capture. Movement patterns of the two species also varied among streams, with C. clarki moving further in Sonoita Creek than Bonita Creek or West Fork Black River, Arizona. Sonoita Creek experienced a series of floods and while movements after flooding were predominately downstream, rates of recapture were similar to those during pre-flood sampling. Rates of growth and body condition also varied among streams.