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¶ … Flannelmouth sucker is quite common within the Colorado River and the surrounding Grand Canyon area. This is particularly true when compared to other popular species within the area such as the Colorado pike minnow, the bony tail, and the Round tail Chub. Many of these species are either no longer found in the area, or endangered. Although these species of fish are quite different from the Flannelmouth sucker, examination of the species is still warranted. Through proper observation and analysis, we are in a better position to properly assess the condition of the Flannelmouth Sucker. In particular, this document will address sample data regarding the Flannelmouth Sucker, the surrounding area, and similarities to other species. We will then relate this analysis to environment conditions such as water discharge and prey availability. Finally, we will conclude with a brief discussion on management issues.
To begin, condition assessment is commonly used to help evaluate fish populations within a particular area. Relative weight is simple and intuitive measure used to better assess the overall flannelmouth population. The mean relative weight of the flannelmouth sucker within the Grand Canyon area has been particularly sporadic. The period...
It is interesting that from 1991 to 1993 the mean weight of the flannelmouth actually declined from 100 to approximately 95. This may indicate a deterioration of environmental conditions during this period. However, a massive increase in relative weight occurred from 1995 to 1997. During this period, the index improved from 95 to 110. However, the variation in relative weight in 1997 was the highest out of any of the years examined over the decade. In fact, when variation is taken into account, the relative weight of the flannelmouth varied from a low of 103 to a high of 120. Although this increased variation is worrisome, it was still well above the prior years by a large margin. This strong increase and weight and variation could be partially attributed to the increased number of warm water tributaries in the area. In fact, the Paria River, Havasu Creek, and the Littler Colorado River helped to create a much more favorable environment during this period. Subsequently, from 1997 to 2001, the relative weight on the flannelmouth steadily declined to its historical range of 95 to 105.
To be more specific, flannelmouths that were collected in September were vastly different…
References
1. Beyers, D.W., C. Sodergren, J.M. Bundy, and K.R. Bestgen. 2001. Habitat use and movement of bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, and round tail chub in the Colorado River. Larval Fish Laboratory, Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.
2. Bezzerides, N. and K.R. Bestgen. 2002. Status review of roundtail chub Gila robusta, flannelmouth sucker Catostomus latipinnis, and bluehead sucker Catostomus discobolus in the Colorado River Basin. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.
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