Habitat Selection by Desert Sucker and Black Bass Throughout the Year: Insights from Radio Telemetry

Abstract

The Verde River Watershed in Arizona provides crucial habitat for native and introduced fish species, particularly in mid-level perennial streams. However, increasing human and environmental pressures pose a risk to these environments. With an increased likelihood of habitat degradation, it is important to identify and protect habitat features essential for fishes inhabiting these streams. I conducted radio telemetry surveys to assess habitat use and selection by two common fish species in two wilderness tributaries of the Verde River: Wet Beaver Creek and West Clear Creek. I tracked 23 Desert Sucker Catostomus clarkii and 19 Black Bass Micropterus spp. in West Clear Creek, and 38 Desert Sucker and 43 Black Bass in Wet Beaver Creek for one year. I developed habitat selection models by comparing features used by fish to available stream features. My analysis revealed that Desert Sucker generally selected deep moving waters and Black Bass generally selected deep low velocity areas. Both fish often utilized areas with cobble substrate, canopy cover, and instream cover. Our results highlight the importance of stream features such as velocity, depth, and substrate in habitat selection. Furthermore, I demonstrate the effectiveness of radio telemetry tracking in remote wilderness locations. These findings provide valuable insights into habitat selection by Verde River Watershed fishes, which can inform conservation efforts and management strategies.