a 25%, and copepods a 13% occurrence. However, when they are larger, (127-152mm) copepods becomes more important with a 50% occurrence, followed by algae with a 25% occurrence, and cladocera, ostracods, and chironomid larvae all had 13% occurrences. The fish's predators include largemouth bass (‘’Micropterus salmoides’’), and other basses, Humans have the power to interfere with the chubsucker, particularly when it comes to coal combustion. Studies performed by Snodgrass et al. showed that although mortality rates did not necessarily significantly increase in the presence of coal combustion by-products, altered swimming performance, as well as increased toxin levels given less food availability, were both side effects of living in contaminated waters. Other activities, such as building dams, which dramatically changes the siltation levels of the chubsucker habitat, also negatively affect the abundance of the fish. Life history This fish breeds in late March and continues until early July, and in individual areas the breeding period lasts about two weeks. The eggs are spread either over vegetation or in gravelly areas, which have been previously cleared by the male. The number of eggs varies between 3000 and 20,000. Its eggs hatch after one week and the juveniles become sexually mature at three, while its lifespan generally ranges five to six years. Juveniles and first-time breeders are most sensitive to changes in the environment, as are often caused by humans, such as diverting rivers, and thereby changing turbidity of the water. Increased siltation also hit these two stages the hardest as such activity changes the substrates on which the fish breeds, as well as where the small juveniles are trying to survive. Management This fish species is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, and the populations in the southern United States are thought to be secure. Because of this, it is somewhat difficult to find management plans for this species. There has been research done to determine its usefulness in improving the growth of largemouth bass, a popular sporting fish, though it does not seem to be able to sustain the predator by itself. Since the fish is secure throughout 50% of its range, states like Alabama have listed it as a fish species of lowest concern. There are some areas where the chubsucker has been extirpated, or is at least thought to be, such as in New York. According to their website, New York management includes trying to find extant populations