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In 1997, we
began studying greater redhorse (Moxostoma
valenciennesi) spawning habitat, spawning
behaviour, fecundity, egg and larval development, as
well as post-spawn movements and habitat use. We
continue this work into 2006 with a 6-year radiotracking
and underwater videography study of redhorse in the
Grand River. Click here to
see details.
Cooke, S.J.
and C.M. Bunt. 1999. Spawning and reproductive biology of
greater redhorse, Moxostoma valenciennesi, in the
Grand River, Ontario. Canadian Field-Naturalist. 113:
497-502.
Abstract -
Reproductive ecology of the greater redhorse,
Moxostoma valenciennesi, was studied in the middle
reaches of the Grand River, Ontario from 1995 to 1998.
Upstream migration to a weir with two fishways was
observed during early spring. Spawning began in late May,
when water temperatures were above 13°C, and lasted for up
to 14 days, except during 1998 when, spawning began in
early May and only lasted 5 days. Spawning occurred in
shallow riffle areas comprised of pebble, gravel and
cobble. Videographic observations (video
HERE) indicated that males
usually remained on or near spawning riffles, while
females were either attracted by the presence or
conspicuous behaviour of males. Rapid bursts of snout and
lip vibrations were observed in males for up to 5.7
seconds. Vibrations from one male triggered other males to
follow suit. When females were present, male snout
vibrations usually preceded spasmodic spawning activity
among one or two females and up to seven males. Males
rolled over one another and the centrally located female,
while dorsal and caudal fins vibrated and broke the water
surface for up to 10 seconds. Male fish were observed to
consume eggs of conspecifics. The youngest fish observed
spawning were a five year old male and six year old
female. Fecundity ranged from 32000 to 72000 eggs per
female for 7 fish between 558 and 610 mm.
Bunt C.M. and S.J.
Cooke. 2000. Greater redhorse, Moxostoma valenciennesi,
post-spawn movements and habitat use. Ecology of
Freshwater Fish.
10 (1): 57-60
Abstract
- A combination of radio telemetry and surface
observations were used to characterize the movements and
habitats of greater redhorse, Moxostoma valenciennesi,
after spawning in the Grand River, Ontario, Canada. This
river supports a large population of greater redhorse that
migrate upstream in the spring to spawn on riffles. After
spawning, greater redhorse moved as far as 15.2 km
downstream of spawning areas, and maintained summer home
ranges in low velocity runs. Mean (± SE) water depth used
by greater redhorse was 46.3 ± 0.9 cm and water velocities
were less than 5 cm/s. Greater redhorse were usually
located over cobble/gravel substrates that were covered
with Cladophora. Although interspecific
associations with golden redhorse, M. erythrurum,
common carp, Cyprinus carpio, smallmouth bass,
Micropterus dolomieu, and northern hog sucker,
Hypentelium nigricans, were observed, most greater
redhorse associated with conspecifics. Areas and habitat
types used throughout the summer did not change, until
relocation to overwintering areas occurred in early
autumn.
Bunt C.M. and S.J.
Cooke. 2004. Ontogeny of larval greater redhorse (Moxostoma
valenciennesi). American Midland Naturalist. 151 (1):
93-100.
Abstract - 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.
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