Ecology of Upper Klamath Lake Shortnose and Lost River Suckers 2. Larval Ecology of Shortnose and Lost River suckers in the lower Williamson River and Upper Klamath Lake

The larval life history stage of Klamath Basin suckers has received relatively little study. However, the early life history stages of endangered shortnose and Lost River suckers are targets for much of the restoration activity in the basin, including the restoration of the lower Williamson River delta at Tulana Farms.

This study is part of doctoral dissertation work begun in 1998. Primary questions being evaluated are: I ) whether significant early life history events take place in the Williamson River; 2) whether habitat selection changes with age or location; 3) whether feeding habits change with age or location; 4) whether community structure influences larval sucker survival; and 5) whether differences exist between Lost River and shortnose sucker early life histories. Sampling in 1998 was partly exploratory and was used to guide subsequent sampling in 1999. This report is based on the 1998 sampling but includes preliminary comments on aspects of the 1999 data.