Life-history aspects of Hypentelium etowanum (Alabama Hog Sucker) were investigated from 12 monthly collections in Shoal and Moore creeks (Etowah River Drainage) in Cherokee County, GA. Specimens were collected primarily from riffles, runs, and flowing pools, and examined for age, growth, food habits, and reproductive cycle. Chironomidae composed the bulk of the diet, with consumption lowest in winter and peaking in spring. Spawning appeared to occur in spring with 493–2717 ripe eggs ranging from 1.5 to 2.8 mm in diameter present in specimens collected in March, April, and May. Sexual maturity appeared to occur by 3 years of age, with a maximum lifespan of greater than 4 years. The largest specimen collected was a female 190 mm standard length and 132 g total weight.
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1 September 2007
Life -history Aspects of Hypentelium etowanum (Alabama Hog Sucker) (Actinopterygii: Catostomidae) in Northern Georgia
Christopher T. O'Kelley,
Steven L. Powers
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