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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Bear Lake Sculpin

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Page and Burr (1991); Sigler and Sigler (1996).

Size: 17 cm TL

Native Range: Bear Lake, Utah and Idaho (Page and Burr 1991).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Bear Lake Sculpin are small (generally less than 90 mm TL) cottids endemic to Bear Lake, and are one of the most abundant fishes in the lake. They occur throughout the lake, with adults spawing in littoral areas on rocky substrate, and juveniles found throughout the lake in benthic habitats (to 50 m depth) (Sigler and Sigler 1996; Ruzycki et al. 1998). The are benthic carnivores, primarily consuming zooplankton and benthic invertebrates. Juveniles occuring in the deeper profundal portion of the lake perform diel vertical migrations to warmer, shallower waters at night, an adaptation to speed digestion (Wurtsbaugh and Neverman 1988).

Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked into Flaming Gorge Reservoir (Sigler and Sigler 1987, 1996), apparently to serve as forage for large predatory fish species.

Status: Established in Flaming Gorge Reservoir (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 2012).

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: In its native habitat this species is very abundant and considered important forage for large predators such as cutthroat trout and lake trout (Sigler and Sigler 1987, 1996).

References: (click for full references)

Page, L.M., and B.M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. The Peterson Field Guide Series, volume 42. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

Ruzycki, J.R., W.A. Wurtsbaugh, and C. Lay. 1998. Reproductive ecology and early life history of a lacustrine sculpin, Cottus extensus (Teleostei, Cottidae). Environmental Biology of Fishes 53:117-127.

Sigler, W.F., and J.W. Sigler. 1987. Fishes of the Great Basin: A Natural History. University of Nevada Press, Reno, NV.

Sigler, W.F., and J.W. Sigler. 1996. Fishes of Utah. University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, UT.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. 2012. Bear Lake sculpin. http://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/rsgis2/search/Display.asp?FlNm=cottexte. Accessed on 24 Jan 2012

Wurtsbaugh, W.A. and D. Neverman. 1988. Post-feeding thermotaxis and daily vertical migration in a larval fish. Nature 333:846-848.

Other Resources:

Author: Pam Fuller, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 1/24/2012

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.