Reproductive Biology of Longfin Dace (Agosia chrysogaster) in a Sonoran Desert Stream, Arizona

original available only as paper hard copy from Arizona State University at time of publication here.The longfin dace, Agosia chrysogaster Girard, is the most abundant native minnow of low elevation (< 1,500 m) streams in Arizona, parts of southwestern New Mexico, and northern Mexico. Reproductive life history of longfin dace was examined over a 12-month period (1977-78) in Aravaipa Creek, Graham and Pinal counties, Arizona. Adult males and females are sexually dimorphic, clearly distinguishable by differences in size of fins. Gravid females and tuberculate males persisted throughout the year and spawned in shallow saucer-shaped depressions in sand-bottomed backwaters and runs. Although individual spawning activity was asynchronous, populations reached peak spawning condition at least twice within the year. Peak reproductive activity was during increased discharge in spring and late summer. Fecundity was primarily a function of size. Ovary weight was highly correlated with fecundity and was the most reliable indicator of total mature ova produced.Integrative Biolog