Disclaimer:

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: Owens Sucker

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Moyle (1976); Page and Burr (1991).

Size: 50 cm.

Native Range: Endemic to the Owens River, California (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

Means of Introduction: Apparently introduced to June Lake and to the Santa Clara River system as a result of a release of Owens River water from the Los Angeles Aqueduct (Moyle 1976; Bell 1978). Introduced into the Owens River sanctuary as a conservation precautionary measure (Moyle 1976).

Status: Established in parts of California outside its native range, including populations in June Lake and those in the Owens Valley sanctuary (Moyle 1976). The status of the introduced Santa Clara River population is uncertain (Moyle 1976; Bell 1978).

Impact of Introduction: Possible hybridization with the Santa Ana sucker Catostomus santaanae in the Santa Clara River system (Moyle 1976; Bell 1978).

Remarks: None.

References: (click for full references)

Bell, M. A. 1978. Fishes of the Santa Clara River system, southern California. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, California, Contributions in Science Series 295:1--20.

Moyle, P. B. 1976. Inland fishes of California. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.

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.

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 7/29/2011

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.