Status and Distribution of Pallid Sturgeon, Shovelnose Sturgeon, Blue Sucker, and Other Large River Fishes in the Arkansas, White, and St. Francis Rivers, Arkansas

Phillips, J. W. and W. G. Layher, Layher Biologics RTEC, Inc.,

Pine Bluff, AR Portions of the Arkansas, White and St. Francis Rivers were sampled during 1999 in an attempt to document the occurrence of the endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). A combined effort of 495 hoop net nights, 17 gill net nights, and 14 trotline nights failed to capture any pallid sturgeon. Blue suckers (Cycleptus elongatus) were captured in all of the rivers, however they were most abundant in the lowest section of the Arkansas River. They were usually associated with deep, swift habitat with one notable exception. Large numbers of blue suckers were captured in relatively calm water adjacent to a flooded oxbow of the Arkansas River. Shovelnose sturgeon also occurred in all three rivers. The White River sampling accounted for the majority of the sturgeon catch. Most were caught in fast, moderately deep water near drop-offs. Due to the proximity of all three rivers to the Mississippi River, it is likely that pallid sturgeon at least periodically inhabit some or all of these streams. This sampling effort targeted 26 river segments collectively in all three rivers and represents a minimal effort.

Copyright © 1999
Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
Last modified: 03/03/04 04:15:38 PM