Black Redhorse Research Articles

Environment Affects Sucker Catch Rate, Size Structure, Species Composition, and Precision in Boat Electrofishing Samples

Abstract Catostomidae (catostomids) are suckers of the order Cypriniformes, and the majority of species are native to North America; however, species in this group are understudied and rarely managed. The popularity in bowfishing and gigging for suckers in the United States has increased concerns related to overfishing. Little information exists about the relative gear effectiveness for sampling catostomids. We sought to evaluate the relative effectiveness of boat electrofishing for sampling Black Redhorse Moxostoma duquesnei, Golden Redhorse M. erythrurum, Northern Hogsucker Hypentelium nigricans, White Sucker Catostomus commersonii, and Spotted Sucker Minytrema melanops populations in Lake Eucha, Oklahoma. We used an information theoretic approach to determine the abiotic variables related to sucker catch per effort (C/f). Our analysis indicated that sucker C/f was highest during the night and decreased with increasing water temperature. Sucker size structure was significantly different between daytime and nighttime samples; however, effect size estimates for size structure comparisons indicated that size distributions exhibited moderate overlap. Distributional comparisons indicated that daytime and nighttime samples were similar for fish greater than 180 mm in total length. Effect size estimates also indicated little association between the proportion of each species captured and time of day or water temperature. Night electrofishing in reservoirs at water temperatures from 16 to 25°C yielded the most precise C/f estimates, with the highest numbers of suckers collected at water temperatures from 6 to 15°C. Further study of the relationship between abiotic variables and catostomid catchability using various gears will be beneficial to agencies interested in these populations.

Two new species of Myxobolus Bütschli, 1882 (Cnidaria: Bivalvulida: Myxobolidae) infecting the gill of the black redhorse, Moxostoma duquesnei (Lesueur) (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae) in the Little Tennessee River Basin, North Carolina.

Two new species of Myxobolus Bütschli, 1882 (Bivalvulida: Myxobolidae) are described from the gill of the black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei [Leueur][Cypriniformes: Catostomidae]) from the Little Tennessee River Basin, North Carolina, United States. Myxobolus branchiofilum n. sp. infects lumen of the lamellar arterioles and Myxobolus branchiopecten n. sp. infects the bone and cartilage at the tip of the gill rakers. They differ from all congeners by a combination of myxospore dimensions and the presence or absence of an iodinophilic vacuole in the sporoplasm, mucous envelope, intercapsular process, and sutural markings. A phylogenetic analysis of the small subunit ribosomal DNA recovered M. branchiopectin sister to Myxobolus sp. (AF378343) in a clade composed of 6 species of Myxobolus, which infect predominately cypriniform intermediate hosts. Myxobolus branchiofilum was recovered sister to Myxobolus ictiobus Rosser, Griffin, Quiniou, Alberson, Woodyard, Mischker, Greenway, Wise & Pote, 2016 in a clade composed of 8 species of Myxobolus, which predominately infect catostomid intermediate hosts. Histological sections of infected gill revealed intra-lamellar plasmodia of M. branchiofilum in the lumen of the lamellar arterioles and foci of M. branchiopecten developing in the bone and cartilage of the gill raker tip. These are the first myxozoans reported from the black redhorse. Given that these two new species are morphologically congeneric but recovered in distantly related clades, we discuss the persistent issue of myxobolid genera paraphyly/polyphyly.

Data-limited models to predict river temperatures for aquatic species at risk1

In data-poor regions, modeled river temperatures are essential for predicting potential stressors for species at risk. With limited data from the Grand, Thames, and Sydenham rivers in southern Ontario, Canada, we evaluated simple mixed-effect regression models to predict water temperature using air temperature from nearby weather stations. Model performance was assessed for periods relevant to the fitness of the black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesni): June to August, when heat events may be likely; and May, when spawning occurs. All of the models performed better when trained on data from these periods, compared with using data from the entire growing season. The best model was a linear regression using 5 days of lagged air temperature. This model had a root mean square error for summer means of 1.5 °C. The differences in prediction error at different times of year highlight the importance of considering species ecology in model interpretation. However, the improvement in model fit when using only data from the relevant time of year suggests that relatively simple models can be used effectively in a management arena when applied appropriately.

Lost from Oz? Status of the Sunflower State's Ozarkian Fish Fauna

There are 10 native Kansas fish species that occur only in the Spring River subbasin (SRS) and nowhere else in the state, which we term Kansas` Ozarkian fish fauna. Eight of these fishes are listed as species in need of conservation (SINC), highlighting their conservation value. The temporal trends and current statuses of Kansas` Ozarkian fishes is unclear, and as such our objective was to assess the historic and current prevalence of these species. We accomplished our objective by compiling historic data from three datasets distributed across three time periods (i.e., 1962-1964; 1993-1995; 1995-2013), which we then compared to data we collected in the SRS during 2017-2020. We calculated occupancy and relative abundance for each species during each of the four time periods, then we visualized changes in prevalence over time. We found that all species were a relatively rare component of the SRS fish assemblage as indicated by their low occupancies and relative abundances across all four time periods, yet some species were rarer than others. Among Kansas's Ozarkian fishes, the Spotfin Shiner and Northern Hog Sucker were the most prevalent and exhibited stable trends. The Banded Sculpin, Sunburst Darter, and Striped Shiner were the rarest and exhibited declining trends, and the Highland Darter and Ozark Minnow exhibited intermediate prevalence and stability. Finally, the Black Redhorse was always rare across all four time periods, and the Least Darter and Plains Topminnow had not been detected in Kansas since 1963. Even though Kansas` Ozarkian fishes currently have a similar conservation listing of SINC or not listed, our research indicated that the Black Redhorse, Highland Darter, and Ozark Minnow may require uplisting to threatened, and that the Banded Sculpin, Striped Shiner, and Sunburst Darter may require uplisting to endangered. Taking action by propagating and repatriating the remaining Ozarkian fishes to their historical ranges in Kansas, coupled with other conservation measures, may help prevent these fishes from ending up like the fictional character, Dorothy, such that they are not in Kansas anymore.

Otolith Annulus Formation and Growth of Two Redhorse Suckers (Moxostoma: Catastomidae)

Otoliths (lapilli) were used to age two catostomid fishes, black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) and golden redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum), from three White River and one Arkansas River tributary in southwest Missouri. Populations in the James River (White River system) were sampled monthly for one year, and edge analysis was used to determine timing of otolith annulus formation. Both species formed a single opaque annulus in otoliths during May and June. Maximum ages estimated from otolith annulus counts were 11 years for black redhorse and 12 years for golden redhorse. Age classes 2 and 3 dominated populations for both species. Fish length at age was modeled with von Bertalanffy growth models; parameters were k = 0.39 and L∞ = 385 for black redhorse and k = 0.31 and L∞ = 377 for golden redhorse in James River populations.

Ontogeny of Larval and Juvenile Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei)

Adult Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) were seined from the Grand River, Ontario and artificially spawned in May 2007 and May 2008. Eggs hatched after 9–16 days at a mean temperature of 20°C, and after 11–25 days at a mean temperature of 17°C. Eggs did not develop fully at temperatures <11°C. Eggs and development of larvae between 9 and 24 mm TL, and juveniles up to 35 mm TL are described. Ontogeny of larval and juvenile Black Redhorse was compared to that of Greater Redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi), River Redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum), Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum), Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum), Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi), and Spotted Sucker (Minytrema melanops). There was significant overlap between most meristic variables compared. However, the majority of Black Redhorse in this study (up to 18 mm TL) generally had higher myomere counts that were different from most other redhorse species. These data, in combination with knowledge of variation in congeneric dist...

Habitat utilization, movement and use of groundwater seepages by larval and juvenile Black Redhorse, Moxostoma duquesnei

Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) larval and juvenile habitat was characterized in the Grand River, Ontario from June to September 2007–2012. Similar to adult Black Redhorse and their congeners, larval Black Redhorse were most likely to be located in clean, clear, stable runs with low to moderate flow, over pebble, gravel and cobble substrate, mixed with sand. Areas (n = 22) where 0+ Black Redhorse were observed and collected were 1.4 ± 0.2 m from shore, with a mean water temperature of 22.0 ± 0.5 °C, mean depth of 0.20 ± 0.02 m and mean water velocity of 0.12 ± 0.05 m/s. Larval and juvenile Black Redhorse occupied riffles, runs, pools and backwater areas; however, there was a strong preference for runs. Juvenile Black Redhorse moved upstream in the early evening and at night to overwintering areas in the Grand River in November when water temperature approached 5 °C. The persistence of Black Redhorse populations in the Grand River may be related to the presence of groundwater, which provides refuge from extreme temperature and poor water quality during the summer.

Quantifying allowable harm in species at risk: application to the Laurentian black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei)

Abstract When a species is identified for conservation, often the only way to effect recovery is to reduce the harm imposed by stressors threatening the survival of the species. Ideally all threats would be removed; however, this is often not feasible or practical. Within this context, a demographic approach is presented to assess how much human‐induced harm could be allowed without impairing the persistence of the species. Harm is defined as a negative perturbation that can target one or more vital rates and life stages simultaneously. Allowable harm, defined as a level of harm that will not jeopardize survival or recovery, will be a function of the vital rates affected by human actions, the sensitivity of population growth to changes in these vital rates (their elasticities), the population growth rate prevailing before harm occurs, and the set of demographic parameters considered safe for long‐term persistence. This life‐history based approach requires minimal data, can link demography with habitat‐explicit information, is flexible enough to encompass complex life histories, and follows a precautionary approach. Quantification of allowable harm could be applied to any species at risk. This approach is introduced by applying it to a Canadian population of a freshwater fish, the black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei), demonstrating that in the absence of habitat constraints population dynamics of this species are most sensitive to the survival of young adults, but population fitness is particularly sensitive to the loss of habitat used by young‐of‐the‐year fish under current levels of habitat supply. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Age, growth and mortality of black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) and shorthead redhorse (M. macrolepidotum) in the Grand River, Ontario

Summary Despite comprising a large portion of riverine fish biomass, very little demographic information is available for redhorse sucker (Moxostoma spp.) populations in Ontario (Canada). Information is presented on size and age structure, growth, and mortality of black redhorse (M. duquesnei), a threatened fish species, and shorthead redhorse (M. macrolepidotum) in the Grand River, Ontario. Estimates of body condition, adult mortality, longevity, and maximum attained length were very similar for both species. However, the more abundant shorthead redhorse reached maturity at a smaller size and younger age and grew at a slower rate than the black redhorse. Compared to populations in more southerly parts of its range, Grand River black redhorse grew more slowly, matured later and at a larger size, reached a higher maximum length and age, and was characterized by lower adult mortality rates. Reflective of its central location in the species range, the age and length characteristics of the Grand River population of shorthead redhorse were intermediate of, and overlapped with, other sampled populations.

Review of fish diversity in the Lake Huron basin

Lake Huron has a rich aquatic habitat diversity that includes shallow embayments, numerous tributaries, shallow mid-lake reef complexes, archipelagos, and profundal regions. These habitats provide support for warm, cool, and cold water fish communities. Diversity of fishes in Lake Huron reflects post-glaciation colonization events, current climate conditions, accidental and intentional introductions of non-indigenous species, and extinctions. Most extinction events have been largely associated with habitat alterations, exploitation of fisheries, and interactions with non-indigenous species. The most recent historical survey of extirpated and imperiled species conducted in the late 1970s identified 79 fish species in Lake Huron proper and about 50 additional species in tributaries. Of those 129 species, 20 are now considered extirpated or imperiled. Extirpated species include Arctic grayling, paddlefish, weed shiner, deepwater cisco, blackfin cisco, shortnose cisco, and kiyi. Six species have declined appreciably due to loss of clear-water stream habitat: the river redhorse, river darter, black redhorse, pugnose shiner, lake chubsucker, redside dace, eastern sand darter, and channel darter. While numerous agencies, universities, and other organizations routinely monitor nearshore and offshore fish distribution and abundance, there is a need for more rigorous examination of the distribution and abundance of less-common species to better understand their ecology. This information is critical to the development of management plans aimed at ecosystem remediation and restoration.

Population structure and genetic diversity of black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) in a highly fragmented watershed

Dams have the potential to affect population size and connectivity, reduce genetic diversity, and increase genetic differences among isolated riverine fish populations. Previous research has reported adverse effects on the distribution and demographics of black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei), a threatened fish species in Canada. However, effects on genetic diversity and population structure are unknown. We used microsatellite DNA markers to assess the number of genetic populations in the Grand River (Ontario) and to test whether dams have resulted in a loss of genetic diversity and increased genetic differentiation among populations. Three hundred and seventy-seven individuals from eight Grand River sites were genotyped at eight microsatellite loci. Measures of genetic diversity were moderately high and not significantly different among populations; strong evidence of recent population bottlenecks was not detected. Pairwise FST and exact tests identified weak (global FST = 0.011) but statistically significant population structure, although little population structuring was detected using either genetic distances or an individual-based clustering method. Neither geographic distance nor the number of intervening dams were correlated with pairwise differences among populations. Tests for regional equilibrium indicate that Grand River populations were either in equilibrium between gene flow and genetic drift or that gene flow is more influential than drift. While studies on other species have identified strong dam-related effects on genetic diversity and population structure, this study suggests that barrier permeability, river fragment length and the ecological characteristics of affected species can counterbalance dam-related effects.

Influence of dams and habitat condition on the distribution of redhorse (Moxostoma) species in the Grand River watershed, Ontario

Redhorse, Moxostoma spp., are considered to be negatively affected by dams although this assertion is untested for Canadian populations. One hundred and fifty-one sites in the Grand River watershed were sampled to identify factors influencing the distribution of redhorse species. Individual species of redhorse were captured from 3 to 32% of sites. The most widespread species were golden redhorse, M. erythrurum (30%) and greater redhorse, M. valenciennesi (32%), while river redhorse, M. carinatum, was only found along the lower Grand River. Redhorse were absent from the highly fragmented Speed River sub-watershed and upper reaches of the Conestogo River and the Grand River. Redhorse species richness was positively correlated to river fragment size and upstream drainage area. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were applied to evaluate the influence of river fragment length, connectivity and habitat on species distribution. Principal component analysis reduced habitat data to three axes representing: channel structure, substrate, and pool, riffle and run habitats (PC1); gradient and drainage area (PC2); and cover (PC3). GAMs indicate that PC2 was important for predicting black redhorse and greater redhorse site occupancy and PC1 was important for golden redhorse. River fragment length was important for predicting site occupancy for shorthead redhorse, but not other species.

Relationship between Habitat Quality and Occurrence of the Threatened Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) in Lake Erie Tributaries

Abstract Recovery planning for the nationally threatened black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) is limited by a lack of knowledge regarding species ecology, population size and factors that affect distribution and abundance. Generalized additive models (GAM) were used to evaluate the influence of habitat quality on the distribution of the black redhorse in the Grand River (Ontario) and 11 western Lake Erie tributaries (Ohio). Black redhorse were captured at 26% of Grand River sites and 6% of western Lake Erie tributary sites. In western Lake Erie tributaries, black redhorse were more likely to be found at sites of intermediate upstream drainage area (a surrogate for watercourse size) and less likely to be found at sites with poor substrate, pool, cover and channel conditions. In the Grand River, occurrence was negatively associated with higher gradients and small and large upstream drainage areas. Habitat quality was found to be associated with the distribution of golden redhorse (M. erythrurum) but not the other two co-occurring redhorse species. Site occupancy was negatively associated with poor substrate and pool conditions. Results from this study indicate that, in areas of black redhorse occurrence, river reaches with clean, coarse bed material, well-developed riffles and pools, and stable channels require specific protection. Repatriation efforts in formerly occupied watercourses will likely require restoration of the condition of these habitats.

Timing and Demographic Characteristics of Redhorse Spawning Runs in Three Great Lakes Basin Rivers

ABSTRACT Boat-electrofishing surveys and fishway monitoring were undertaken to describe the characteristics of redhorse (Moxostoma spp.) spawning runs in the Grand River, Muskegon River and Trent River. Spawning began in early May and was complete by mid-June. Timing of spawning varied among species, rivers, and years. Shorthead redhorse and silver redhorse spawned earlier and at lower water temperatures than black redhorse and river redhorse. Differences between rivers and years likely resulted from differences in the timing of suitable water temperatures and suitable flow levels, respectively. Spawning males were generally smaller, more numerous, and present in spawning areas earlier than females. While males reached sexual maturity at a younger age than females, there were no overall differences in the ages of spawning male and female redhorse.

Ontogeny of Larval Greater Redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi)

Adult greater redhorse Moxostoma valenciennesi, were seined from the Grand River, Ontario, and artificially spawned in May 1997 and May 1998. Eggs hatched after 6–8 d at a mean temperature of 19 C. Eggs and larval development of 9–22-mm specimens are described. Ontogeny of larval greater redhorse was compared to that of other syntopic Moxostoma species from previously published studies, including river redhorse (M. carinatum), black redhorse (M. duquesnei), golden redhorse (M. erythrurum), shorthead redhorse (M. macrolepidotum), copper redhorse (M. hubbsi) and spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops). There was significant overlap between most meristic variables that were compared. However, the majority of greater redhorse (up to 18-mm) have myomere counts (27–33 pre-anal myomeres, 9–10 postanal myomeres and 39–42 total myomeres) that are different from other sympatric redhorse species and spotted suckers and may allow identification of greater redhorse as small as 9-mm.

Natural Thermal Refugia for Temperate Warmwater Stream Fishes

The seasonal use of an Ozark spring branch by fishes was evaluated from January 1993 to January 1995. Temperatures in the spring branch were fairly constant, at 13.5 ± 1°C, and usually exceeded the temperature of a receiving stream during the November–March coldwater period. Black redhorse Moxostoma duquesnei, smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, shadow bass Ambloplites ariommus, and longear sunfish Lepomis megalotis showed a temporal pattern of use in the spring branch. The lowest use was during the April–October warmwater period, and the greatest use was during the coldwater period. During cold periods, biomass of these four species in the spring branch was significantly greater and fish size significantly larger than in similar habitats in the adjoining stream. The weight per unit length of fish using the spring branch during cold periods was also significantly greater. Shadow bass and longear sunfish had significantly greater relative stomach contents than conspecifics in equivalent habitats from the adjoining stream, but had similar relative numbers of eggs. Large concentrations of adult fish used spring branches during the coldwater period, and these fish may be more vulnerable to angling than conspecifics in similar habitats in adjoining streams dominated by surface water. Thus, we suggest that stream managers consider the usefulness of fish refuges in spring branches and adjacent thermally influenced areas.

Spawning habitat, behavior, and morphology as isolating mechanisms of the golden redhorse, Moxostoma erythrurum, and the black redhorse, M. duquesnei, two syntopic fishes

Golden redhorse, Moxostoma erythrurum, and black redhorse, M. duquesnei, were observed spawning during the springs of 1984 through 1987 in Stony Creek, Illinois, at water temperatures ranging from 15–21°C. Both species spawned simultaneously within the same stream reach in 1987. Male golden redhorse aggressively defended territories on shoals and were joined by females from an adjacent pool. Black redhorse also spawned in riffles and displayed no agonistic behavior. Both species spawned throughout daylight hours in groups of two to five, and golden redhorse also spawned at night. Habitat utilization curves indicate that black redhorse spawned in habitat that was slightly deeper, much swifter, and over coarser substrate than that of the golden redhorse. Males of both species exhibited nuptial body color and breeding tubercles on anal and caudal fins, while only golden redhorse males had head tubercles. We suggest that these differences in spawning habitat, behavior, and morphology act as reproductive isolating mechanisms between the species and that the dichotomy in habitat and behavior may be due to competitive interactions.

Status of the Black Redhorse, Moxostoma duquesnei, in Canada

Status of the Black Redhorse, Moxostoma duquesnei, in Canada

The effects of sample preparation on measured concentrations of eight elements in edible tissues of fish from streams contaminated by lead mining.

The influence of sample preparation on measured concentrations of eight elements in the edible tissues of two black basses (Centrarchidae), two catfishes (Ictaluridae), and the black redhorse,Moxostoma duquesnei (Catostomidae) from two rivers in southeastern Missouri contaminated by mining and related activities was investigated. Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ba, and Ca were measured in two skinless, boneless samples of axial muscle from individual fish prepared in a clean room. One sample (normally-processed) was removed from each fish with a knife in a manner typically used by investigators to process fish for elemental analysis and presumedly representative of methods employed by anglers when preparing fish for home consumption. A second sample (clean-processed) was then prepared from each normally-processed sample by cutting away all surface material with acid-cleaned instruments under ultraclean conditions. The samples were analyzed as a single group by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Of the elements studied, only Pb regularly exceeded current guidelines for elemental contaminants in foods. Concentrations were high in black redhorse from contaminated sites, regardless of preparation method; for the other fishes, whether or not Pb guidelines were exceeded depended on preparation technique. Except for Mn and Ca, concentrations of all elements measured were significantly lower in cleanthan in normally-processed tissue samples. Absolute differences in measured concentrations between clean- and normally-processed samples were most evident for Pb and Ba in bass and catfish and for Cd and Zn in redhorse. Regardless of preparation method, concentrations of Pb, Ca, Mn, and Ba in individual fish were closely correlated; samples that were high or low in one of these four elements were correspondingly high or low in the other three. In contrast, correlations between Zn, Fe, and Cd occurred only in normallyprocessed samples, suggesting that these correlations resulted from high concentrations on the surfaces of some samples. Concentrations of Pb and Ba in edible tissues of fish from contaminated sites were highly correlated with Ca content, which was probably determined largely by the amount of tissue other than muscle in the sample because fish muscle contains relatively little Ca. Accordingly, variation within a group of similar samples can be reduced by normalizing Pb and Ba concentrations to a standard Ca concentration. When sample size (N) is large, this can be accomplished statistically by analysis of covariance; whenN is small, molar ratios of [Pb]/[Ca] and [Ba]/[Ca] can be computed. Without such adjustments, unrealistically large Ns are required to yield statistically reliable estimates of Pb concentrations in edible tissues. Investigators should acknowledge that reported concentrations of certain elements are only estimates, and that regardless of the care exercised during the collection, preparation, and analysis of samples, results should be interpreted with the awareness that contamination from external sources may have occurred.

Differential Use of Stream Habitat by Spawning Catostomids

Spawning patterns of suckers (Catostomidae) in Deer Creek, Indiana, revealed differential use by species and age-size groups. In spring, white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) dominated headwaters, while redhorse (Moxostoma spp.) were more abundant downstream. Shorthead redhorse (M. macrolepidotum) were present only in main stem Deer Creek during spawning. Spawning groups of golden redhorse (M. erythrurum) and black redhorse (M. duquesnei) near the mouth of Deer Creek were significantly older and larger than those upstream in a first-order tributary. Spawning was not observed until water temperatures stayed above or near 10 C and until water levels were 20-60 cm deep over spawning shoals. Golden redhorse, shorthead redhorse and northern hog sucker (Hypentelium nigricans) spawned over medium gravel in riffles 30-60 cm deep with velocities of 0.4-0.9 m/sec. White sucker spawned over medium gravel at depths of 20-25 cm where velocity ranged from 0.50-0.59 m/sec. Creek chubsucker (Erimyzon oblongus) selected fine gravel in areas 50-75 cm deep having much slower velocity (0.10-0.24 m/sec). INTRODUCTION River tributaries serve as spawning and nursery areas for suckers (Catostomidae), but the effect of tributary spawning on maintaining river populations downstream is just beginning to be investigated. Previous reports (Thompson and Hunt, 1930; Trautman, 1957; Bowman, 1970; Larimore and Smith, 1963; Karr, 1975; Burr and Morris, 1977; Smith, 1977; Lake and Morrison, 1977) indicate that catostomids inhabiting rivers ascend smaller streams for spring spawning. The extent of upstream movements by adults and the degree to which resident and migrant suckers compete for stream spawning sites are unclear. Lack of specific information on the seasonal use of river tributaries hampers management efforts and an understanding of the potential impact of stream alteration on catostomid populations. Studies on catostomid spawning have shown some interspecific differences in the use of river tributaries. Black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) and golden redhorse (M. erythrurum) in the streams and smaller rivers of Missouri and Ohio apparently move short distances for spawning (Bowman, 1970; Smith, 1977). Meyer (1962) found no evidence for the movement of golden redhorse, shorthead redhorse (M. macrolepidotum) or silver redhorse (M. anisurum) adults into a tributary of the Des Moines River, Iowa, during the spawning season. However, the abundance of adult silver redhorse and quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus) in a tributary of the Hocking River, Ohio, increased during spring, suggesting upstream movement into the tributary for spawning (Smith, 1977). Some specific measurements of spawning site characteristics for catostomids have been reported in recent literature. Black redhorse in Missouri spawn on riffles of rubble and gravel in 15-60 cm of water (Bowman, 1970). Spotted suckers spawn over course rubble in riffles 0.3-0.5 m deep with flow rates of 1.4 m3/sec and surface velocities of 1 Journal Paper no. 9585, Purdue Agricultural Experiment Station. 2 Present address: 120 Riverglade, Amherst, MA 01002.