Age, Growth, and Population Structure of Black Redhorse (Moxostoma Duquesnei) and Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma Erythrurum) in Southwest Missouri

Otoliths (lapilli) were used to age black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) and golden redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum) from three White River tributaries (James River, Bull Creek, and Swan Creek) and one Arkansas River tributary (Elk River) in southwest Missouri. Validation of annulus formation in otoliths, using marginal increment analysis, indicated that both species formed the annulus from May to June. The 55 age estimates obtained from operacle bones and otoliths of black redhorse were 98.2% in agreement. Estimated ages ranged from 1-11 years for black redhorse and 0-12 years for golden redhorse. Differences in growh and age-at-maturity observed among locations may be due to habitat differences. Age-class frequency distributions indicated that older fish were uncommon at all locations, suggesting that these populations may be over-harvested