{"id":35,"date":"2026-07-15T14:28:57","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T20:28:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/fwcb\/?page_id=35"},"modified":"2026-11-09T15:09:33","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T22:09:33","slug":"larval-fish-lab","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/larval-fish-lab\/","title":{"rendered":"Larval Fish Lab"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-bottom:3rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-default has-bodoni-font-family\"><em>About<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;Larval Fish Laboratory&nbsp;at Colorado State University is a nonprofit research, service, and educational facility funded by grants, contracts, and service fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-green-border\">\n<li> It is unique among North American university, government, and private ichthyological research laboratories in its orientation and functions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its purpose is to draw together, advance, and disseminate knowledge on methods of study, biology, ecology, and taxonomy of freshwater and anadromous fishes with particular emphasis on early-life-history stages and fish reproduction. It has established a reputation for quality research and taxonomic services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LFL was established in 1978 within the College of Forestry and Natural Resources, one of the finest and largest colleges of natural resources in the United States. It is affiliated with and provided space and facilities by the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignfull is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center is-style-triangle-divider\" style=\"grid-template-columns:54% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06032_00925-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Three people wearing hats and gators stand in a river, observing it.\" class=\"wp-image-305 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06032_00925-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06032_00925-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06032_00925-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06032_00925-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06032_00925.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-203f3c05 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n\t<div class=\"alignnone is-style-image-list wp-block-stalwart-blocks-call-to-action has-text-align-center\">\n\n\n\t<ul class=\"stalwart-ctas is-style-image-list columns-1\" id=\"stalwart-ctas-block_ea6b210eaef31c6d0bed35c8ca8cbdb2\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"stalwart-cta-single has-link has-image\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"stalwart-cta-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CSU_CNR_VBL-Icons-Green-Sunshine_Rafting-RGB.png\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"stalwart-cta-content\"><h3 class=\"stalwart-cta-heading\"><a class=\"stalwart-cta-link\" href=\"#research\">Research<\/a><\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li><!-- .single-cta -->\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"stalwart-cta-single has-link has-image\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"stalwart-cta-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CSU_CNR_VBL-Icons-Green-Sunshine_LaptopWoods-RGB.png\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"stalwart-cta-content\"><h3 class=\"stalwart-cta-heading\"><a class=\"stalwart-cta-link\" href=\"#technical-services\">Technical Services<\/a><\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li><!-- .single-cta -->\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"stalwart-cta-single has-link has-image\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"stalwart-cta-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/CSUGreen_Sunshine-RGB_Discussion.png\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"stalwart-cta-content\"><h3 class=\"stalwart-cta-heading\"><a class=\"stalwart-cta-link\" href=\"#workshops\">Workshops and Shortcourses<\/a><\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li><!-- .single-cta -->\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"stalwart-cta-single has-link has-image\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"stalwart-cta-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CSU_CNR_VBL-Icons-Green-Sunshine_Microscope-RGB.png\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"stalwart-cta-content\"><h3 class=\"stalwart-cta-heading\"><a class=\"stalwart-cta-link\" href=\"#facilities\">Facilities<\/a><\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li><!-- .single-cta -->\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"stalwart-cta-single has-link has-image\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"stalwart-cta-image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CSU_CNR_VBL-Icons-Green-Sunshine_People-RGB.png\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"stalwart-cta-content\"><h3 class=\"stalwart-cta-heading\"><a class=\"stalwart-cta-link\" href=\"#staff\">Staff<\/a><\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li><!-- .single-cta -->\n\n\t\t\t\n\t<\/ul><!-- .stalwart-ctas -->\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"research\" class=\"wp-block-group callout-heading is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator alignfull has-css-opacity has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-vertical\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-bodoni-font-family\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:clamp(3.615rem, 3.615rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 4.856), 7.5rem);font-style:italic;font-weight:600\">Research<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide wp-block-paragraph\">Client contracts are usually processed and administered through the University\u2019s Office of Sponsored Programs. Some can be treated as subcontracts through the Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Small projects can be contracted directly with LFL and billed as services on a fixed amount or hourly basis. LFL research capabilities and interests are broad and go well beyond work on the early-life stages of fish. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-details alignwide is-style-default has-background-color has-oval-green-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-1 is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" open><summary><strong><em>Field-oriented resea<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>rch<\/em><\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our research focuses on the distribution, movements, reproduction, life history, behavior, or ecology of freshwater or anadromous fishes, adults as well as embryos, larvae, and juveniles. LFL is especially interested in studies to document fish reproduction; spawning behavior, seasons, habitats, and requirements; nursery grounds; and early-life-stage distribution and habitat utilization. LFL staff are experienced in the use of various fish, invertebrate, and water-quality sampling gear and techniques (including drift and tow netting, light trapping, electrofishing, and radiotelemetry) and have worked in rivers, streams, reservoirs, and lakes (including the Great Lakes) of northeastern, northcentral, midwestern, and southwestern U.S. Most LFL field work has involved endangered fishes in the Upper Colorado River System, Great Plains stream-fish communities, fishes of Colorado\u2019s eastern slope, and aquatic toxicity concerns at various sites in the Northcentral and Rocky Mountain Regions. Although recent LFL field research has been regional for logistical reasons, field projects elsewhere in North America and on other continents will be considered.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details alignwide is-style-default has-background-color has-oval-green-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-2 is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong><em>Assessment of fish habitats<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assessments include description, quantification of physico-chemical attributes, availability, and utilization. Recent investigations include work on nursery habitats in the Green River, Utah, winter-habitat utilization by adult Colorado squawfish<em>Ptychocheilus lucius<\/em>&nbsp;in the Yampa River (latter based on radiotelemetry observations), evaluation of trophic dynamics of wetlands potentially used by endangered fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin, and assessments of potential habitat developments or improvements for all life stages of endangered species.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details alignwide is-style-default has-background-color has-oval-green-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-3 is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong><em>Experimental and laboratory-oriented studies<\/em><\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Studies include various aspects of fish biology or life history with emphasis on early-life stages. Most investigations involve living material but some are based on preserved collections. Experimentation with living organisms requires special considerations and facilities. LFL is familiar with and follows federal and University animal care and use guidelines. LFL is also familiar with permitting requirements for importation of fish from outside Colorado and the holding and use of endangered species. Past and on-going investigations include age and growth analyses (including analysis of daily growth increments in the otoliths of larval and early-juvenile fish), food habits and preferences, behavior (response to various physical, chemical, or biological stimuli), habitat preferences, predation, competition, and drift.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details alignwide is-style-default has-background-color has-oval-green-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-4 is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em>Aquatic toxicology and ecotoxicology studies<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our goal is to determine effects of inorganic and organic contaminants on fish and aquatic invertebrates. LFL has experience with contaminant investigations at a variety of environmental scales, from laboratory toxicity tests to semi-controlled field mesocosm studies to field surveys covering entire watersheds. Studies have included 4-day acute and 32-day early-life-stage toxicity tests with endangered fishes, field evaluation of effects of aerial insecticide applications on fish and aquatic invertebrates in ponds and streams, effects of heavy-metal contaminants on olfaction of endangered fishes, and ecological risk assessment of aerial insecticide applications on endangered fishes in the Green River subbasin, Colorado and Utah.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details alignwide is-style-default has-background-color has-oval-green-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-5 is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em>Sampling or study techniques<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Such techniques include development, refinement, or adaptation and testing. LFL research includes the adaptation, validation, and testing of otolith aging and chemical-marking techniques for use with early-life stages of endangered species in the Upper Colorado River System. It also has refined drift nets, designed and specified modifications to light traps, tested light-trap efficiency, and worked on the development of biodegradable, digestible and non-toxic \u201cbeads\u201d for use in extensive passive drift investigations and experiments to evaluate adverse effects of electrofishing on the young of endangered species.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details alignwide is-style-default has-background-color has-oval-green-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-6 is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em>Developmental and taxonomic studies<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These studies document morphological development, ontogenetic events, and characters of diagnostic or systematic value. Expertise with and access to florescence and scanning-electron microscopy, computer-image measurement and analysis, specimen clearing and skeletal staining techniques, and PCR processing and m-DNA analysis enhance capabilities. Published investigations include work on early-life stages of many cypriniform fishes (minnows and suckers) in southwestern U.S. with emphasis on threatened and endangered species, salmonids (trouts) in Colorado, cottids (sculpins) in eastern Canada and the Great Lakes, hiodontids (mooneyes) and gadids (cod) in northcentral U.S. and the Great Lakes; aphredoderids (pirate perch) in southeastern U.S., and acipenserids (sturgeons) of the east coast and Mississippi and Missouri River Systems.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details alignwide is-style-default has-background-color has-oval-green-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-7 is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em>Preparation of guides or keys<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This allows for identification of fish larvae on a site-specific or broader basis. LFL has developed a standardized, but flexible, format for species accounts with detailed three-view, continuous-tone graphite and ink drawings, and summary tables for standardized morphometric, meristic, and developmental-state characters. Keys can be either fixed and printed or computer-interactive and provided on personal-computer floppy diskettes. Published guides or keys cover larvae and early juveniles of cypriniform fishes in the Upper Colorado River System of Colorado; catostomids (suckers) of the Pyramid Lake, Utah Lake, and Upper Colorado River Basins; and common salmonids (trouts) in Colorado (and much of North America).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details alignwide is-style-default has-background-color has-oval-green-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-8 is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em>Reviews or syntheses of information<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong>tic toxicology and ecotoxicology sudies<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We pay particular attention to eggs, larvae, reproduction, and related topics. Recent work includes a review of Colorado River ecology, endangered species management, status of the razorback sucker&nbsp;<em>Xyrauchen texanus<\/em>, dissolved-oxygen requirements for early-life stages of South Platte River fishes, the adverse effects of electrofishing on fish (embryos through adults), and a review of factors that might limit distribution of nonnative fishes in the Upper Colorado River System.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details alignwide is-style-default has-background-color has-oval-green-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-9 is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><em>Preparation of bibliographies<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We help prepare bibliographies, especially those related to fish reproduction, early-life history, and development. Recent compilations include a bibliography of bibliographies on fish reproduction and early-life history, a listing of major early-life-history references with sources and costs, dissolved-oxygen literature from 1985-1991, electrofishing, and (in progress for the Early Life History Section of the American Fisheries Society) a voluntary effort to update the 1988 Hoyt Bibliography of early-life-history literature as a bibliographic database for personal computers.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"technical-services\" class=\"wp-block-group callout-heading is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator alignfull has-css-opacity has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-vertical\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-bodoni-font-family\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:clamp(3.615rem, 3.615rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 4.856), 7.5rem);font-style:italic;font-weight:600\">Technical services<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide wp-block-paragraph\">Costs of services can be based on hourly, per-sample, or job rates, depending upon the nature of work and client needs. Services include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-green-border\">\n<li><strong><em>Field assistance<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;via collection of samples, gear development, or consultation on experimental design or sampling options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Sample processing<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;involving sorting, identifying, counting, and measuring fish, aquatic insects, zooplankton, or phytoplankton and preparing processed samples for long-term storage according to client needs. Additional specimen-specific data can be provided, tabulated, and analyzed as desired.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Taxonomic quality control or assistance<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;involving identification, or verification of identity, of fish eggs, larvae, juveniles, or adults.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Assemblage of voucher or reference series<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;of early-life stages from client materials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Biological illustration<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;for displays, reports, and technical publications; LFL specializes in continuous-tone three-view drawings of fish larvae.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"workshops\" class=\"wp-block-group callout-heading is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator alignfull has-css-opacity has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-vertical\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-bodoni-font-family\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:clamp(3.615rem, 3.615rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 4.856), 7.5rem);font-style:italic;font-weight:600\">Workshops and shortcourses<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide wp-block-paragraph\">LFL offers private tutorials, workshops, and shortcourses on larval fish identification, ecology, and related subjects. Laboratory staff also serve as guest lecturers on pertinent topics in selected undergraduate fishery courses and periodically offer a graduate level course on&nbsp;<em>Fish Reproduction and Early Life History<\/em>&nbsp;(FW 502, 3 credits). LFL staff have authored chapters on \u201cFish Eggs and Larvae,\u201d \u201cFinding Literature and Reports,\u201d and \u201cEndangered Species Management\u201d in the&nbsp;<em>Fisheries Techniques<\/em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Inland Fisheries Management in North America<\/em>&nbsp;texts published by the American Fisheries Society, and produced educational videotapes on&nbsp;<em>Larval Fish Ecology \u2013&nbsp;A Critical Management Concern<\/em>&nbsp;for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and&nbsp;<em>Sampling Fish Larvae \u2013&nbsp;Selected Gear<\/em>for inhouse and Departmental use. LFL also provides facilities, materials, and guidance for graduate and undergraduate research. LFL shortcourses and workshops (with corresponding limited-distribution manuals) include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-green-border\">\n<li><strong><em>Identification of Upper Colorado River Basin Fish Larvae<\/em><\/strong>; 14-16 May 1985, Colorado State University.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Ecology and Sampling of Fish Larvae in Freshwaters<\/em><\/strong>; 18-20 November 19-86 and 27-29 October 1987, Colorado State University.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Ageing, Marking, and Clearing and Staining Young Fish<\/em><\/strong>; 1-3 November 1988, Colorado State University.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Autopsy-Based Fish Health and Condition Assessment<\/em><\/strong>; 10-11 March 1992, Colorado State University.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:6rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-style-brushstroke-green\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);min-height:730px;aspect-ratio:unset;\" id=\"facilities\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"767\" height=\"521\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-361 size-full\" alt=\"LFL facilities\" src=\"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/fwcb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/LFL_facilities-1-1.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/LFL_facilities-1-1.jpg 767w, https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/LFL_facilities-1-1-300x204.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 767px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-csu-green-background-color has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-gargantuan-font-size\" style=\"line-height:1.5\">FWCB Facilities <br><em><mark style=\"background-color:#008FB3\" class=\"has-inline-color has-background-color\">Larval Fish Laboratory<\/mark><\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LFL\u2019s main laboratory, computer image-analysis system, collections, and offices are located in room 33 of the J.V.K. Wagar Building on the main campus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LFL\u2019s Toxicology and Aquatic Research Laboratory \u2013&nbsp;often referred to as the <em>wet lab<\/em> \u2013&nbsp;indoor facilities for fish holding, rearing, and experimentation are located in room 04 of the Natural Resources Building on the main campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outdoor raceways and ponds are available on the nearby Foothills Campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-sunshine-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10\">LFL has access to:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>College and University computing facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geographical information systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internet for remote databases and computer communications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>University Libraries (a depository for federal documents)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CARL (Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries) catalogues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services for literary research, and various biological, toxicological, pathological, chemical, and statistical laboratories on or near campus. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cooperators on campus and in state and federal resources agencies in Fort Collins provide vital links with additional facilities and research expertise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"staff\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-dashed-divider has-aggie-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11\">LFL Personnel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LFL maintains a core staff of permanent personnel and has access to full- and part-time temporary employees with a wide range of qualifications and experience who are available when needed for specific tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LFL staff&#8217;s unique experience, knowledge, and capabilities are all centered on fish reproduction and early-life stages. The expertise of staff, cooperators, and associates includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-columns-2\">\n<li>Ichthyology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fish taxonomy and systematics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fish culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fishery management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biodiversity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ecological modeling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experimental design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aquatic toxicology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Computer science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statistics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>General and aquatic ecology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limnology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hydrology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Developmental biology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biological illustration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-dashed-divider has-aggie-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12\">Staff<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"warnercnr-directory warnercnr-directory--cards align wp-block-warnercnr-directory\" data-blockid=\"warnercnr-dir-block25996b6d5385633cb8676b1d5874d789\">\n\n\n        <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__cards warnercnr-directory__cards--columns-3\">\n                    <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__card\">\n                <figure class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-photo\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.warnercnr.colostate.edu\/?image=6C98D8F54A5E62987DFF204E49722DF3\" alt=\"Kevin Bestgen\" loading=\"lazy\">\n                                    <\/figure>\n                <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-info\">\n                    <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-name\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/person\/?user=mklygpXcMxEM8p27EadQjQ%3D%3D\">Kevin Bestgen<\/a>\n                    <\/p>\n                                            <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-title\">Assistant Professor | Senior Research Scientist | Larval Fish Lab Director<\/p>\n                                                                <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-email\">\n                            kevin.bestgen@colostate.edu                        <\/p>\n                                                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__card\">\n                <figure class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-photo\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.warnercnr.colostate.edu\/?image=72561B731D70AA25\" alt=\"Carroll Bjork\" loading=\"lazy\">\n                                    <\/figure>\n                <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-info\">\n                    <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-name\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/person\/?user=hotcbUkSLey2C%2Blo6k2mkw%3D%3D\">Carroll Bjork<\/a>\n                    <\/p>\n                                            <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-title\">Illustrator I &#8211; Larval Fish Lab <\/p>\n                                                                <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-email\">\n                            carroll.bjork@colostate.edu                        <\/p>\n                                                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__card\">\n                <figure class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-photo\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.warnercnr.colostate.edu\/?image=CC32196916AB1F4B7DFF204E49722DF3\" alt=\"Ed Kluender\" loading=\"lazy\">\n                                    <\/figure>\n                <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-info\">\n                    <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-name\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/person\/?user=Xn6UyqWxYq9mH%2B1LKNtwKA%3D%3D\">Ed Kluender<\/a>\n                    <\/p>\n                                            <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-title\">Research Associate &#8211; Larval Fish Lab<\/p>\n                                                                <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-email\">\n                            edward.kluender@colostate.edu                        <\/p>\n                                                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__card\">\n                <figure class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-photo\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.warnercnr.colostate.edu\/?image=E0020E43FD9F3A4C7DFF204E49722DF3\" alt=\"Darrel Snyder\" loading=\"lazy\">\n                                    <\/figure>\n                <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-info\">\n                    <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-name\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/person\/?user=NjICp89w60A%2BvbPAto9KPA%3D%3D\">Darrel Snyder<\/a>\n                    <\/p>\n                                            <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-title\">Resch Sci\/Scholar II &#8211; Larval Fish Lab<\/p>\n                                                                <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-email\">\n                            darrel.snyder@colostate.edu                        <\/p>\n                                                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__card\">\n                <figure class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-photo\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/people.warnercnr.colostate.edu\/?image=7080F28667846E63\" alt=\"Donald Tuttle\" loading=\"lazy\">\n                                    <\/figure>\n                <div class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-info\">\n                    <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-name\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/person\/?user=i1vvIVOGp8PsZ%2FdCB%2FyFpA%3D%3D\">Donald Tuttle<\/a>\n                    <\/p>\n                                            <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-title\">Research Associate III &#8211; EX<\/p>\n                                                                <p class=\"warnercnr-directory__card-email\">\n                            donald.tuttle@colostate.edu                        <\/p>\n                                                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About The&nbsp;Larval Fish Laboratory&nbsp;at Colorado State University is a nonprofit research, service, and educational facility funded by grants, contracts, and service fees. Research Client contracts are usually processed and administered through the University\u2019s Office of Sponsored Programs. Some can be treated as subcontracts through the Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Small projects can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":965,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"Larval Fish Lab - Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology","description":"About The&nbsp;Larval Fish Laboratory&nbsp;at Colorado State University is a nonprofit research, service, and educational facility funded by grants, contracts,"},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-35","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1105,"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35\/revisions\/1105"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/965"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/fwcb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}