State of California

The Resources Agency

Department of Water Resources 

MATRIX OF LIFE HISTORY AND 

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR 

FEATHER RIVER FISH SPECIES 

SP-F3.2 TASK 2 

SPLITTAIL 

Oroville Facilities Relicensing 

FERC Project No. 2100

APRIL 2004 

ARNOLD 

SCHWARZENEGGER 

Governor 

State of California 

MIKE CHRISMAN 

Secretary for Resources 

The Resources Agency 

LESTER A. SNOW 

Director 

Department of Water 

Resources 
Matrix Of Life History and Habitat Requirements for Feather River Fish Species - Splittail

Oroville Facilities P-2100 Relicensing 

State of California

The Resources Agency

Department of Water Resources 

MATRIX OF LIFE HISTORY AND 

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR 

FEATHER RIVER FISH SPECIES 

SP-F3.2 TASK 2 

SPLITTAIL 

Oroville Facilities Relicensing 

FERC Project No. 2100

This report was prepared under the direction of

Terry J. Mills..................................................... Environmental Program Manager I, DWR 

by

Paul Bratovich ..................................................Principal/Fisheries Technical Lead, SWRI 

David Olson................................Senior Environmental Scientist/Project Manager, SWRI 

Adrian Pitts............................................Associate Environmental Scientist/Author, SWRI 

Meryka Atherstone .................................Associate Environmental Planner/Author, SWRI 

Allison Niggemyer ................................Associate Environmental Scientist/ Author, SWRI 

Amanda O’Connell ................................................. Environmental Planner/Author, SWRI 

Karen Riggs ........................................................... Environmental Planner/Author, SWRI 

Brian Ellrott............................................................ Environmental Scientist/Author, SWRI 

Preliminary Information – Subject to Revision – For Collaborative Process Purposes Only

Oroville Facilities Relicensing Team May 28, 2004 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

General

Common name (s) English name (usually used by 

fishers and laypeople). 

Sacramento splittail 

Scientific name (s) Latin name (referenced in 

scientific publications). 

The scientific name of Sacramento splittail is Pogonichthys macrolepidotus (Moyle 2002). The Sacramento splittail is the only member of its genus; a second species, P. ciscoides, is now extinct (USFWS 1995b). 

Taxonomy (family) Common name of the family to 

which they belong. Also indicate scientific family name. 

Sacramento splittail belong to the Cyprinidae (i.e., minnow) family (Moyle 2002). 

Depiction Illustration, drawing or 

photograph. 

Range Broad geographic distribution, 

specifying California distribution, as available. 

Sacramento splittail were historically found as far north as Redding, California,but are no longer found in this area (USFWS 1995b). Sacramento splittail have been collectedfrom the Merced River at Livingston and from the San Joaquin River at Fort Miller. There are reported catches from the southern San Francisco Bay and at the mouth of Coyote Creek in Santa Clara County, but recent surveys indicate that 

In wet years, Sacmigrate up the Saas the Red Bluff Dthe lower Feather (Moyle 2002).Sacramento splittreaches of the Feoccasion, and rechad been collecteOroville (USFWS 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

splittail are no longer present in these locations (USFWS 1995b).On the San Joaquin River, Sacramento splittail may be found as far as Salt Slough (Moyle 2002). In most years, Sacramento splittail are reportedly confined to the Delta, SuisunBay, Suisun March, lower Napa River, and lower Petaluma River (Moyle 2002).Important Sacramento splittail spawningareas reportedly include Sutter and YoloBypasses on the Sacramento River andalso the Tuolumne River (Moyle 2002).Except when spawning, Sacramento splittail reportedly are largely absent fromthe Sacramento River (USFWS 1995b).

Captures of larvaindicate that an immay be in the Sacbetween the mouFeather rivers (US

Native or introduced If introduced, indicate timing, 

location, and methods. 

Sacramento splittail are endemic to California (Moyle 2002). 

ESA listing status Following the categories

according to California Code of Regulations and the Federal Register, indicate whether: SE = State-listed Endangered; ST =State-listed Threatened; FE = Federally listed Endangered; FT = Federally-listed Threatened; SCE = State Candidate (Endangered); SCT = State candidate (Threatened); FPE = Federally proposed (Endangered); FPT = Federally proposed (Threatened); FPD = Federally proposed(Delisting); the date of listing; or N = not listed. 

Sacramento splittail was listed as a threatened species (FT) in February 1999by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Moyle 2002).On September 22, 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Sacramento splittail from its list of threatened species (USFWS 2003). 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

Species status If native, whether: 

Extinct/extirpated; Threatened or Endangered; Special concern; Watch list; Stable or increasing. If introduced, whether: Extirpated (failed introduction); highly localized; Localized; Widespreadand stable; Widespread and expanding. 

Sacramento splittail are native to California and their status is threatened (Moyle 2002).On September 22, 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Sacramento splittail from its list of threatened species (USFWS 2003). 

Economic or recreationalvalue 

Indicate whether target species sought for food or trophy. Whether desirable by recreational fishers, commercial fishers, or both. 

A small sport fishery reportedly exists for Sacramento splittail (Wang 1986). Anglers fish for Sacramento splittail in order to use them as bait for striped bass (Moyle 2002).

Warmwater or coldwater Warmwater if suitable 

temperature range is similar to basses; coldwater if suitable temperature range is similar to salmonids. 

Sacramento splittail is a warmwater fish(Wang 1986). 

Pelagic or littoral Environment: Pelagic - living far 

from shore; Littoral - living near the shore. 

Sacramento splittail are reportedly entirely pelagic during the day (Sommer et al. 2002). 

Bottom or water columndistribution 

Environment: bottom (benthic) or along water column. 

Within the Yolo Bypass, 51% of all splittail observations were made in benthic areas at night (Sommer et al. 2002). 

Lentic or lotic Environment: Lentic - pertaining 

to stagnant water, or lake-like; Lotic - moving water, or river-like.

Sacramento splittail reportedly preferslow-moving sections of rivers and sloughs (Young and Cech 1996). 

Adults Life span Approximate maximum age 

obtained. 

The reported life span of Sacramento splittail is 5 to 7 years, although larger fish may live to be 8 years old or older (Moyle 2002). The reported life span of the Sacramento splittail species is approximately five years (Caywood 1974).The reported life span of Sacramento 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

splittail is 5 to 7 years (Caywood 1974; Meng and Moyle 1995). Sacramento splittail commonly live to five years of age (Sommer et al. 1997). 

Adult length Indicate: Length at which they 

first reproduce; average length and maximum length the fish can attain. 

Adult Sacramento splittail measure approximately 4.3 inches (110 millimeters) at the end of their first year, 6.7 inches (170 millimeters) at the end of their second year, 8.5 inches (215 millimeters) at the end of their third year, and grow about 1.4 inches per year (35 millimeters per year) thereafter. Sacramento splittail reportedly can reach over 15.7 inches (40 centimeters) in length (Moyle 2002). Males and females are often mature by the end of their second winter, with minimum lengths of 7.1 to 7.9 inches (180-200 mm) (Daniels and Moyle 1983); occasionally males may mature by the end of their first year and females by the end of their third year (USFWS 1995b). Sacramento splittail can reportedly reach over 11.8 inches (300 millimeters) in length (USFWS 1995b). 

Adult weight Indicate: Weight at which they 

first reproduce; average weight and maximum weight the fish can attain. 

Adult splittail were reported to weigh anywhere from 0.47 pounds (211 grams), as observed in Sherman Lake, California to 1.6 pounds (744 grams), as observedat Clifton Court Forebay, California (Feyrer 1998). Splittail adults collected from SuisunMarsh, California for a series of lab studies reportedly weighed 0.18 pounds 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

(80 grams) to 0.44 pounds (200 grams) (Young and Cech 1996). 

Physical morphology General shape of the fish: 

elongated, fusiform, laterally compressed, etc. 

Sacramento splittail have an enlarged upper lobe of the tail, tiny barbells at the corners of the slightly subterminal mouth, a small head, and an elongated body (Moyle 2002).Sacramento splittail have pharyngeal teeth, which are hooked and have narrow grinding surfaces (USFWS 1995b). Adult Sacramento splittail reportedly develop a nuchal hump (USFWS 1995b).

Coloration Indicate color, and color changes, 

if any, during reproduction phase.

Sacramento splittail are silvery on their sides and become duller in color as theygrow larger, and their back is usually dusky olive gray (Moyle 2002). During the breeding season, Sacramento splittail fins are tinged with red-orange and males become a darker color (Moyle 2002). 

Other physical adult descriptors 

Unique physical features for easy identification. 

Sacramento splittail have a distinctive tail (Moyle 2002).The upper lobe of the caudal fin on a Sacramento splittail is larger than the lower lobe (USFWS 1995b). 

Adult food base Indicate primary diet components. Sacramento splittail reportedly feed on 

bottom invertebrates in areas of low to moderate currents, and on earthworms inflooded areas (Moyle 2002). Detrital material reportedly makes up a high percentage of the stomach contents of Sacramento splittail (Moyle 2002). In the Suisun Marsh, Sacramento splittailreportedly forage extensively on opossum 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

shrimp, benthic amphipods, and harpactacoid copepods. In the Delta, Sacramento splittail reportedly feed opportunistically on clams, crustaceans,insect larvae, and other invertebrates (Moyle 2002).Sacramento splittail reportedly feed extensively on opossum shrimp and detrital material, and feed opportunistically on earthworms, clams, insect larvae, and other invertebrates (USFWS 1995b). 

Adult feeding habits Indicate whether plankton eater, 

algae eater, bottom feeder,piscivorous, active hunter, ambush predator, filter feeder. Night, day, dusk or dawn feeder. 

Sacramento splittail are diurnal feeders,with the most intense feeding occurring inthe early morning (Moyle 2002). Sacramento splittail are benthic foragers (Meng and Moyle 1995). 

Adult in-ocean residence time 

For anadromous species, age when they migrate to the ocean and duration spent in the ocean before returning to freshwater to spawn.

Adult habitat characteristics in-ocean 

For anadromous species, description of the ocean habitat utilized: whether along major current systems, gyres, pelagic (beyond continental shelves) and neritic (above continental shelves) zones, etc.

Adult upstream migration (immigration) 

Range of adult upstream migration timing 

Time of year adults migrate upstream. If applicable, indicate for various runs. 

Adult Sacramento splittail reportedly showgradual upstream movement during the winter and spring months to forage and spawn in flooded areas (Moyle 2002). Studies indicate that Sacramento splittail 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

migrate upriver to spawn in freshwaterfrom January through April (Meng and Moyle 1995).Adult Sacramento splittail reportedly undertake an annual upstream spawningmigration from the estuary in late autumn and winter (Sommer et al. 1997). 

Peak adult upstreammigration timing 

Time of year most adults migrate upstream. If applicable, indicate for various runs. 

In 1998-99, four adult spawning migration pulses were indicated by peaks in upstream movements that reportedly occurred in mid-December, late January, early February, and late February (Garman and Baxter 1999 in Moyle et al. 2003). 

Adult upstream migration water temperature tolerance 

Range of water temperatures allowing survival. Indicate stressful or lethal levels. 

Adult upstream migration water temperature preference 

Range of suitable, preferred or reported optimal water temperatures. Indicate whether literature, observational, orexperimental.

Ripe splittail have been observed in association with cool temperatures (i.e., <15°C) (Moyle unpublished data in Moyle 

et al. 2003). 

Adult holding (freshwater residence) 

Water temperature tolerance for holding adults

Range of water temperatures allowing survival. Indicate stressful or lethal levels. 

Sacramento splittail are typically found in temperatures between 41°F and 75.2°F (5°C and 24°C). However, fish acclimated to higher temperatures [84.2°F to 91.4°F (29°C to 33°C)] reportedly cansurvive rapid changes in water temperature for short periods of time (Moyle 2002).In laboratory studies conducted at the University of California at Davis, meancritical thermal minima (CTmin) and 

maxima (CTmax) for age-2 fish was 44.6°F

and 84.2°F (7.0°C and 29.0°C), 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

respectively (Young and Cech 1996). Female Sacramento splittail held in indoor tanks at constant temperatures of 18°C reportedly did not mature (Bailey et al. 2000 in Moyle et al. 2003).

Water temperature preference for holdingadults 

Range of suitable, preferred or reported optimal water temperatures. Indicate whether literature, observational, orexperimental.

Sacramento splittail are typically found in water temperatures between 41°F and 75.2°F (5°C and 24°C) (Moyle 2002). In laboratory studies conducted at the University of California at Davis, the final water temperature preference for age-2fish was 66.2°F (19°C) (Young and Cech 1996). 

Water depth range for holding adults

Reported range of observed (minimum and maximum) water depth utilization. 

Larger splittail adults in the Yolo Bypass tended to aggregate in the deeper areas of the wetland (Sommer et al. 2002). 

Water depth preference for holding adults

Reported range of most frequently observed water depth utilization. 

Field studies indicate that Sacramento splittail prefer a shallow water habitat of less than or approximately 22 feet (6.7 meters) (Meng and Moyle 1995). 

Substrate preference for holding adults

If bottom dwellers, indicate substrate: mud, sand, gravel, boulders, aquatic plant beds, etc. If gravel, indicate range oraverage size of gravel. 

Shallow dead-end sloughs of the marsh lined with tules and reeds may provide rich feeding grounds and refuge from predators for Sacramento splittail (Mengand Moyle 1995). Flooded terrestrial habitat can provide abundant food for pre-spawningSacramento splittail adults (Sommer et al. 1997). 

Water velocity range for holding adults

Reported range of observed (minimum and maximum) water velocity utilization. 

In laboratory studies, the range of velocities that Sacramento splittail holdingadults were able to tolerate was reportedas 30.5 to 91.3 cm/sec (Young and Cech 1996). 

Water velocity preference Reported range of most 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

for holding adults frequently observed water 

velocity utilization. 

Other habitat characteristics for holding adults 

General description of habitat (e.g. turbid or clear waters, lenticor lotic, presence of aquatic plant beds, debris, cover, etc.). 

Sacramento splittail reportedly prefer lowsalinity, shallow-water habitats (Meng and Moyle 1995).Sacramento splittail are primarily freshwater fish, but reportedly are tolerant of moderate salinities and can live in water with salinities of 10 to 18 parts per thousand (USFWS 1995b).Sacramento splittail tend to be most abundant where other native fishes are abundant as well (USFWS 1995b). 

Timing range for adult holding

Time of year (earliest-latest) and duration of stay from upstream migration to spawning. 

Sacramento splittail may migrate upstream to spawn (Meng and Moyle 1995). Adult Sacramento splittail within the Sacramento-San Joaquin estuary were salvaged more often between January and April, than in later months (Meng and Moyle 1995).Adult Sacramento splittail sampling was reportedly conducted in Sutter Bypass and the main channels of the Sacramento, Feather, Cosumnes, and Mokelumne rivers during the months of March through May (Sommer et al. 1997).

Timing peak for adult holding

Time of year when maximum number of adults are present before spawning. 

Sacramento splittail may migrate upstream to spawn (Meng and Moyle 1995). Survey samples taken at Chipps Island, California reported that most adult Sacramento splittail were present during

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

the months of May through June; adult peak abundance at the Suisun Marsh, California was reportedly during December through January (Sommer et al. 1997). 

Spawning 

Fecundity Average or range in the number 

of eggs females lay in a spawning season. 

Sacramento splittail are reported to typically lay between 5,000 and 100,800 eggs (Wang 1986). The largest Sacramento splittail femalesreportedly can lay over 100,000 eggs (Moyle 2002).Of 20 sampled Sacramento splittail over 6.9 inches (175 millimeters) in length, fecundity ranged from 17,500 to 266,000eggs (Daniels and Moyle 1983). 

Nest construction Location and general description 

of nest -- substrates, aquatic plants, excavations, crevices, habitat types, etc. 

Sacramento splittail reportedly construct spawning nests in shallow, weedy areas (Wang 1986). 

Nest size Size and average dimensions of 

the nest. 

Spawning process Indicate whether nest builder, 

broadcast spawner, or other. 

Fertilized Sacramento splittail eggs stick to submerged vegetation and debris until hatching (Moyle 2002). 

Spawning substrate size/characteristics

Range of substrates used during spawning (e.g. mud, sand,gravel, boulders, beds of aquatic plants). Indicate presence of plant/wood debris, crevices at spawning sites. If gravel, indicate range of average size. 

Sacramento splittail reportedly spawn inflooded river beds and in areas with submerged vegetation (Wang 1986). It is possible that Sacramento splittail spawn on vegetation (Daniels and Moyle 1983).Sacramento splittail reportedly spawn onsubmerged vegetation in flooded areas (USFWS 1995b). 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

Preferred spawningsubstrate 

Indicate preferred spawningsubstrate (e.g. mud, sand, gravel, boulders, plant bed, etc). 

Sacramento splittail reportedly prefer to spawn in areas of flooded vegetation (Moyle 2002).Sacramento splittail reportedly prefer to spawn in areas having aquatic vegetation, in streams or river beds, and along banks (Caywood 1974). 

Water temperature tolerance for spawning 

Range of water temperatures allowing survival. Indicate stressful or lethal levels. 

The onset of Sacramento splittail spawning reportedly is associated with increasing water temperatures of 57.2°F to 66.2°F (14°C to 19°C)] (Moyle 2002).Splittail within the Yolo Bypass floodplain,California reportedly spawn at a water temperature range of 51.8°F to 75.2°F (11°C to 24°C) (Sommer et al. 2002). 

Water temperature preference for spawning 

Range of suitable, preferred or reported optimal water temperatures. Indicate whether literature, observational, orexperimental derivation. 

Sacramento splittail reportedly prefer to spawn in water temperatures rangingfrom 48.2°F to 68°F (9°C to 20°C) (Caywood 1974). 

Water velocity range for spawning 

Minimum and maximum speed of water current the spawning fish can tolerate. 

Successful reproduction of Sacramento splittail is reportedly strongly associated with high outflows preceding, during, andfollowing spawning (USFWS 1995b). Under certain conditions, Sacramento splittail used the Suisun Marsh for spawning; high outflow in April 1995 coincided with their spawning time (Meng and Matern 2001). Species that spawn outside of the SuisunMarsh reportedly also benefit from intermediate to high flows (Meng and Matern 2001). 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

Sacramento splittail catches were reportedly confined within the San Francisco Estuary mostly to 1995, a yearwhen high flows peaked during their spawning season in March and April (Meng and Matern 2001). 

Water velocity preference for spawning

Preferred water current (flow velocity) during spawning.

Spawning areas are characterized by the presence of flowing water, with low water temperature and water clarity (Moyle, unpublished data in (Moyle et al. 2003).

Water depth range for spawning 

Reported range of observed (minimum and maximum) water depth utilization. 

Observations of Sacramento splittail spawning by Moyle et al. (2001) have reported spawning depths of less than 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) in the Cosumnes River floodplain; spawning reportedly occurredat depths of less than 6.6 feet (2 meters) in Sutter Bypass (USFWS 2003). Sacramento splittail reportedly spawn onterrestrial vegetation and debris on floodplains that are inundated by spring high flows, typically at depths between 1.6 and 6.6 feet (0.5 and 2 meters) (Moyle 2002). 

Water depth preference for spawning 

Reported range of most frequently observed water depth utilization. 

Observations on the Cosumnes floodplain indicate that spawning fish move into open areas <1.5m deep that have dense growths of annual terrestrial plants (Moyle et al. 2003). 

Range for spawning timing Earliest and latest time of season

or year in which spawning occurs.

Sacramento splittail spawning can occur anytime from late February to early July (Moyle 2002).Sacramento splittail spawning reportedly occurs from late April to early May in the marsh (Daniels and Moyle 1983). The onset of Sacramento splittail 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

spawning may be associated with increasing water temperature and day length, and reportedly occurs betweenearly March and May in the upper Delta (USFWS 1995b). In the tidal freshwater and euryhaline habitats of the Sacramento-San Joaquin estuary, Sacramento splittail spawningreportedly occurs by late January and early February and continues through July (Wang 1986). 

Peak spawning timing Time of year most fish start to 

spawn.

The most frequent Sacramento splittailspawning reportedly occurs in March andApril (Moyle 2002). 

Spawning frequency (iteroparous/semelparous) 

Semelparous - producing all offspring at one time, such as in most salmon. Usually these fish die after reproduction. Iteroparous - producing offspring in successive, e.g., annual or seasonal batches, as is the case in most fishes. 

The Sacramento splittail reportedly is anopportunistic spawner (Wang 1986). The Sacramento splittail is an annual spawner (Daniels and Moyle 1983). Sacramento splittail are iteroparous (Moyle 2002).

Incubation/early development 

Egg characteristics Shape, size, color, in clusters or

individuals, stickiness, and other physical attributes. 

Mature Sacramento splittail eggs are spherical, measuring 0.05 to 0.06 inches(1.3 - 1.6 millimeter) in length (Wang 1986). The eggs are transparent, thick, and smooth, except at the adhering point (Wang 1986). 

Water temperature tolerance for incubation 

Range of water temperatures allowing survival. Indicate stressful or lethal levels. 

In the Suisun Marsh temperatures rangedfrom 47.3°F – 82.4°F (8.5°C – 28°C) (Meng and Matern 2001). 

Water temperature preference for incubation

Range of suitable, preferred or reported optimal water temperatures. Indicate whether literature, observational, orexperimental derivation. 

In the Suisun Marsh temperatures averaged 54.9°F – 67.1°F (12.7°C – 19.5°C) (Meng and Matern 2001). The optimum temperature for age-0 wild 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

splittail reportedly was 75.2°F (24°C) (Deng et al. 2002). At 18.5°C, eggs reportedly begin to hatch within 3-5 days after spawning (Bailey 1994 in Moyle et al. 2003).

Time required forincubation 

Time duration from fertilization to hatching. Note: Indicate at which temperature range. Incubation time is temperature-dependent. 

The time required for egg incubation is 3 to 7 days, depending on the water temperature (Moyle 2002).Under laboratory conditions, eggs incubated in fresh water at 19°C reportedly start to hatch in about 96 hours (USFWS 1995a). 

Size of newly hatchedlarvae 

Average size of newly hatched larvae. 

Newly hatched Sacramento splittail larvae are less than 0.3 inches (6.5 millimeters) in length (Wang 1986). Sacramento splittail larvae are 0.3 to 0.31 inches (7 to 8 millimeters) in length at the completion of the yolk-sac stage (Wang 1986). Larvae are 5.5-6.5 mm TL when they hatch, have a yolk sac, a non-functional mouth and no eye pigment (Wang 1986, 1995; Bailey et al. 2000 in Moyle et al. 2003). 

Time newly hatched larvaeremain in gravel 

Time of year of hatching, and duration between hatching and emergence from gravel. 

Sacramento splittail larvae reportedly remain in shallow, weedy areas close to the spawning sites for 10 to 14 days andmove into deeper water as they mature and swimming ability increases (Wang 1986:Sommer et al. 1997 in USFWS 

2003). Young of the year Sacramento splittail reportedly appeared in late May or early 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

June and ranged from 22-40 mm SL (Daniels and Moyle 1983).Sacramento splittail feeding begins at 5-7 days post hatch (Bailey 1994 in Moyle et 

al. 2003), and by the time they reach 13-16 mm TL, they are recognizable as juveniles (Wang 1995 in Moyle et al. 2003). 

Other characteristics oflarvae 

Alevin -- early life history phase just after hatching (larva) when yolk-sac still present. 

The Sacramento splittail yolk sac is elongated; enlarged in thoracic region, and slender in abdominal region (Wang 1986). 

Timing range for emergence 

Time of year (earliest-latest) hatchlings (larvae and alevins) leave or emerge from the nesting/hatching (gravel) sites. 

After hatching, Sacramento splittail larvae reportedly remain in shallow, weedy areas until the water recedes, and then they migrate downstream with the river flow(Meng and Moyle 1995). Catches of Sacramento splittail larvae in Suisun Marsh were reportedly related to the timing and pattern of freshwateroutflow during the spring (Meng and Matern 2001). 

Timing peak for emergence 

Time of year most hatchlings emerge. 

The largest catches of Sacramento splittail larvae were in 1995, a wet year when outflow peaked during March and April (Meng and Matern 2001). 

Size at emergence from gravel 

Average size of hatchlings at time of emergence.

The initial body weight and total body length of splittail larvae under laboratory conditions reportedly were 2.6-3.6 mg and 8.7- 9.1 mm (0.87- 0.91 cm) respectively (Deng et al. 2002). 

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Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

Juvenile rearing 

General rearing habitat and strategies

General description of freshwaterenvironment and rearing behavior. 

The youngest splittails (15-20 mm FL) studied in the Yolo Bypass were mostabundant in the shallowest areas of the wetland with emergent vegetation, were associated with the lowest portion of he water column, and were largely benthic at night (Sommer et al. 2002). Sacramento splittail rely on flooded vegetation for spawning, a habitat wheretheir larvae and juveniles remain for weeks to months (Meng and Matern 2001). 

Water temperature tolerance for juvenile rearing 

Range of water temperatures allowing survival. Indicate stressful or lethal levels. 

In a laboratory study on small age 0 to age 2 Sacramento splittail, the minimum water temperature tolerated was 44.1°F to 45.1°F (6.5°C to 7.3°C), while the maximum water temperature tolerated by juveniles was 68.9°F to 91.4°F (20.5°C–33.0°C), depending on the acclimated water temperature and age (Young andCech 1996). 

Water temperature preference for juvenile rearing 

Range of suitable, preferred, or reported optimal water temperatures. Indicate whether literature, observational, orexperimental derivation. 

Lab studies conducted by Young and Cech (1986), show the preferred water temperature for small age 0 Sacramento splittail was 71.6°F to 75.2°F (22°C to 24°C), depending on acclimated water temperature. Preferred water temp for large age 0 fish was 69.8°F to 77°F (21°C to 25°C), depending on acclimated water temperature. For age 1 juveniles, the preferred water temperature was 66.2°F (19°C). YOY Sacramento splittail experienced optimal growth at 21°C, and juveniles and adults had optimal growth at 20°C. (Young and Cech 1996). 

Water velocity ranges for Reported range of observed Intermediate flows positioned the mixing

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Matrix Of Life History and Habitat Requirements for Feather Rive

Oroville Facil

Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

rearing juveniles (minimum and maximum) water 

velocity utilization. 

zone in the Suisun Bay area and reportedly produced optimum rearing conditions for juvenile Sacramento splittail (Meng and Matern 2001). In laboratory studies conducted by Young and Cech (1996), the range of velocities that juvenile Sacramento splittail were able to tolerate were reported as 19.5 to 66.3 cm/sec. 

Water velocities preferred by rearing juveniles 

Reported range of most frequently observed water velocity utilization. 

Water depth range for juvenile rearing 

Reported range of observed (minimum and maximum) water depth utilization. 

In dry years, native fishes are reportedly confined to the Sacramento River and similar channels that are deep (> 5 m [16.4 ft]) and steep sided and have minimal shallow-water habitat or vegetation (Sommer et al. 2002). Juvenile splittail habitat use reportedly ranged from <0.31 m during the day, to 0.61+ m at night (Sommer et al. 2002). 

Water depth preference for juvenile rearing 

Reported range of most frequently observed water depth utilization. 

The data collected on juvenile splittail distribution within the Yolo Bypass suggests that floodplains and perhaps other shallow-water habitats are also important for the early life stages of splittail (Sommer et al. 2002). 

Cover preferences forrearing juveniles 

Type of cover for protection from predators used by rearing juveniles (e.g. crevices, submerged aquatic vegetation, overhanging vegetation, substrate cover, undercover bank, small woody debris, large woodydebris). 

Juvenile Sacramento splittail reportedly prefer shallow-water habitat with emergent vegetation (i.e., tules and reeds) during rearing (Meng and Moyle 1995). Young splittail studied in the Yolo Bypass floodplain reportedly were most abundant in the shallowest areas of the wetland 

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Matrix Of Life History and Habitat Requirements for Feather Rive

Oroville Facil

Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

with emergent vegetation (Sommer et al. 2002). 

Food base of juveniles Indicate primary diet components. 

Also indicate the diet changes, if any, as growth occurs. 

The food base for juvenile Sacramento splittail is algae, pelecypods, and amphipods (Wang 1986).

Feeding habits of rearing juveniles 

Indicate whether plankton eater, algae eater, bottom feeder,piscivorous, active hunter, ambush predator, filter feeder. Night, day, dusk or dawn feeder. Also indicate change of feeding habits growth occurs. 

Juvenile Sacramento splittail are benthic foragers (USFWS 1995b).

Predation of juveniles Indicate which species prey on 

juveniles. 

Striped bass and other piscivorous fish prey on juvenile Sacramento splittail (Moyle 2002).Large pikeminnow and striped bass reportedly prey on juvenile Sacramento splittail (Wang 1986). 

Timing range for juvenile rearing 

Range of time of year (months) during which rearing occurs. 

Young Sacramento splittail rear in upstream areas for a few weeks to a year or more (Sommer et al. 1997). Juvenile Sacramento splittail rearing was reported to occur during the months of May through August within the Sacramento-San Joaquin estuary (Meng and Moyle 1995). 

Timing peak for juvenile rearing 

Time of year (months) during which most rearing occurs. 

Survey samples taken at Chipps Island, California reported that most juvenile Sacramento splittail were present duringthe months of May through June; juvenilepeak abundance at the Suisun Marsh, California was reportedly during Junethrough August (Sommer et al. 1997). Most juveniles were reportedly collectedat the State Water Project facilities during 

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Matrix Of Life History and Habitat Requirements for Feather Rive

Oroville Facil

Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

the months of May through July (Sommer et al. 1997). 

Juvenile emigration 

Time spent in fresh water prior to emigrating 

Duration (in years and/or months) from emergence to emigration to the ocean. 

It is hypothesized that after hatching, Sacramento splittail larvae move downstream as they develop during the month of May (Caywood 1974). 

Water temperature tolerances during emigration 

Range of water temperatures allowing survival. Indicate stressful or lethal levels. 

Water temperature preferences during emigration 

Range of suitable, preferred or reported optimal water temperatures. Indicate whether literature, observational, orexperimental derivation. 

Emigration timing range Time of year juveniles commence 

emigration and duration of emigration 

Downstream movement of juvenile Sacramento splittail probably occurs between May and July (Meng and Moyle1995). Young-of-year (YOY) Sacramento splittail are reportedly caught in the South Deltapumping plants in the greatest numbers from April through August, presumably when moving downstream into the estuary (Moyle 2002). 

Emigration timing peak Time of year most juveniles are 

emigrating. 

Large numbers of YOY Sacramento splittail are reportedly captured in screw traps in the Sutter and Yolo bypasses inMay, with diminishing numbers in June (DFG, Region 2 unpublished data in

(Moyle et al. 2003). 

Size range of juveniles during emigration 

Minimum and maximum sizes (inches or mm) of emigrating juveniles. Indicate average size. 

On the Cosumnes river juveniles have been observed leaving the floodplain at a size of 25-40 mm TL (Moyle, unpublisheddata in Moyle et al. 2003). 

Factors associated with Pulse flows, water temperature After hatching, larval Sacramento splittail 

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Matrix Of Life History and Habitat Requirements for Feather Rive

Oroville Facil

Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

emigration changes, turbidity levels, 

photoperiod, etc. 

within the Sacramento-San Joaquin estuary are reported to remain in shallow weedy areas until the water recedes, and then they move into deeper water and migrate downstream with river flow (Mengand Moyle 1995). 

Other potential factors 

DO Levels of dissolved oxygen in 

water expressed in mg/l tolerated by fish. 

All sizes of Sacramento splittail reportedly 

can survive in water having less than 1 milligram per liter of dissolved oxygen (Moyle 2002).The tolerance levels of dissolved oxygenfor Sacramento splittail are reportedly 0.6 to 1.3 mg/L for all age groups (Young andCech 1996). 

PH Alkalinity/acidity of water 

(expressed in pH) that fish can tolerate. 

Under laboratory conditions, pH for splittail larvae ranged from 8.0 to 8.2 (Deng et al. 2002). 

Turbidity Indicate turbidity or state of water 

(e.g., clear water or presence of siltation or organic/inorganic matter in water) that fish can tolerate. 

Juveniles are most abundant in shallow, turbid water (Young and Cech 1996 in

Moyle et al. 2003). 

Factors contributing to mortality 

e.g. fishing/angling mortality, drastic habitat alterations, unfavorable climatic changes, etc.

In order of importance, factors contributing to the mortality of Sacramento splittail reportedly are: (1) reduction in valley floor habitats; (2) modification of spawning habitat; (3) changed estuarine hydraulics, especiallyreduced outflows; (4) climate variation; (5) toxic substances; (6) introduced species;and (7) exploitation (Moyle 2002). Sacramento splittail have disappearedfrom much of their native range because dams, diversions, and agricultural development have eliminated or 

Access to Sacramareas or upstream by dams on large Dam on the AmeDam on the Feath1995b). Reportedly, there Sacramento splittfishery has declinof Folsom and Or1995b). 

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Matrix Of Life History and Habitat Requirements for Feather Rive

Oroville Facil

Element Element Descriptor General Feather 

drastically altered much of the lowland habitat these fish once occupied (USFWS 1995b). 

References

Caywood, M. L. 1974. Contributions to the Life History of the Splittail Pogonichthys macrolepidotus (Ay

California State University, Sacramento. 

Daniels, R. A. and P. B. Moyle. 1983. Life History of Splittail (Cyprinidae: Pogonichthys macrolepidotus

Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary. Fishery Bulletin 81:647-654. 

Deng, D. F., S. J. Teh, F. C. Teh, and S. S. O. Hung. 2002. Effect of Diets and Water Temperatures on 

Performance of Splittail Larvae. North American Journal of Aquaculture 64:242-247. 

Meng, L. and S. A. Matern. 2001. Native and Introduced Larval Fishes of Suisun Marsh, California: Th

Freshwater Flow. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 130:750-765. 

Meng, L. and P. B. Moyle. 1995. Status of Splittail in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary. Transactio

Fisheries Society 124:538-549. 

Moyle, P. B.2002. Inland Fishes of California. Berkeley: University of California Press. Moyle, P. B., R. D. Baxter, T. Sommer, T. C. Foin, and S. A. Matern. 2003. Biology and Population Dy

Sacramento Splittail in the San Francisco Estuary: A Review. Draft Report. California Bay-Delta 

Sommer, T., R. Baxter, and B. Herbold. 1997. Resilience of Splittail in the Sacramento-San Joaquin E

of the American Fisheries Society 126:961-976. 

Sommer, T. R., L. Conrad, G. O'Leary, F. Feyrer, and W. C. Harrell. 2002. Spawning and Rearing of S

Floodplain Wetland. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 131:966-974. 

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Oroville Facilities Relicensing Team 21 D:\Dave's Documents\01 ALL REQUESTS\Ted_05-28-04 fish matrix\04-28-04_fish_splittail.doc 
Matrix Of Life History and Habitat Requirements for Feather Rive

Oroville Facil

USFWS. 1995a. Formal Consultation and Conference on Effects of the Long-Term Operation of the C

and State Water Project on the Threatened Delta Smelt, Delta Smelt Critical Habitat, and PropoSacramento Splittail. 1-52. 

USFWS. 1995b. Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Native Fishes Recovery Plan - Sacramento Splittail. P

Fish and Wildlife Service. 

USFWS. 2003. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of Remanded Determination o

Sacramento Splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus) - Final Rule. Federal Register, 50(17):5514September 22, 2003. 

Wang, J. C. S. 1986. Fishes of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary and Adjacent Waters, California: 

Early Life Histories. IEP Technical Report No. 9. California Department of Water Resources, Ca

of Fish and Game, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Young, P. S. and J. J. Cech Jr. 1996. Environmental Tolerances and Requirements of Splittail. Transa

American Fisheries Society 125:664-678. 

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