Growth and reproduction of the flannelmouth sucker, Catostomus latipinnis, in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1975–76

Authors

Charles W. McAda, Utah State University
Richard S. Wydoski, Utah State University

Abstract

Growth rates estimated using the scale annuli of flannelmouth sucker, Catostomus latipinnis, did not differ between fish collected from the Gunnison and Colorado rivers, and the Green and Yampa rivers. However, body condition and fecundity were significantly greater in the former population. Age of first maturity for male and female fish from all rivers was IV; and most fish were mature by age VII. The smallest mature female collected was 405 mm, and the smallest mature male was 391 mm total length. Fecundity ranged from 4,000 ova in fish 450 mm long to 40,000 ova in a 500-mm fish: mean ovum diameter was 2.39 mm. Ripe male flannelmouth suckers were collected from early April through June; ripe females were collected from both study areas during May and early June.

Recommended Citation

McAda, Charles W. and Wydoski, Richard S. (1985) "Growth and reproduction of the flannelmouth sucker, Catostomus latipinnis, in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1975–76," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 45: No. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol45/iss2/7