Meeting Abstract
Very little is known about the energy acquisition strategies of Santa Ana suckers (Catostomus santaanae). This is due to their current listing as a threatened species resulting in limited access and study. C. santaanae is endemic to freshwater systems in southern California and is suffering due to habitat decline. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the nutritional needs of these fish in order to make informed decisions with respect to habitat conservation, with particular attention to the food resources of C. santaanae: the epithilic algal complex (EAC). A sample of fifteen individuals from the Santa Clara River are currently being subjected to a feeding trial comprised of an artificial algal diet simulating an EAC. We will be measuring growth, assimilation efficiency, and gut structure and function (including digestive enzyme activities) to better understand nutrient assimilation from EAC resources in this species. We anticipate that C. santaanae will exhibit similar morphological and physiological characteristics to that of convergently evolved herbivorous minnows, genus Campostoma, considering these genera occupy similar niches in their respective habitats.
