The Klamath smallscale sucker (Catostomus rimiculus), also known as the Jenny Creek sucker,[1][2] is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Catostomidae.[3] It is a freshwater fish that primarily inhabits the Trinity and Klamath River watersheds, as well as the overall region of the Klamath Basin in general. Within the Klamath Basin, they inhabit the area along with three other sucker fish:[4] the Lost River sucker, shortnose sucker, and the Klamath largescale sucker. These fish can vary in length from 35 cm to 50 cm,[5] and usually have a lifespan of around 9 years to 15 years.[3] They often form mixed schools with speckled dace, sculpins, and juvenile steelhead.[6]
| Klamath smallscale sucker | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Catostomidae |
| Genus: | Catostomus |
| Species: | C. rimiculus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Catostomus rimiculus Gilbert and Snyder in Gilbert, 1898
| |
A population of the species separated from the Klamath River by a waterfall are called Jenny Creek suckers.[2]
Distribution
editKlamath smallscale suckers primarily inhabits the Trinity and Klamath River watersheds.[7] Within the Klamath River basin it is considered rare.[8]
Findings from recent genetic analyses show that as little as six Klamath smallscale suckers from the Klamath River established the Smith River population, which highlights concerns about their relatively limited genetic diversity and, therefore, vulnerability as a species.[9]
Relationship with humans
editThe state of Oregon lists the Klamath smallscale sucker as a sensitive species of concern because of habitat degradation and various other environmental stressors.[10]
The International Game Fish Association all tackle world record for the Klamath smallscale sucker stands at 2 lbs 8 oz, taken from the Trinity River near Del Loma, California.[11]
Life Cycle
editReproduction
editKlamath smallscale suckers migrate to tributary streams to reproduce in the spring. Female suckers are able to produce 15,000-20,000 eggs, which male suckers then externally fertilize.[12] After spawning, they move to bigger streams where they reside for the remainder of adulthood.[13]
Growth
editJenny Creek Suckers live up to 5 to 6 years, while the Klamath population has a longer life expectancy of up to 17 years. The Jenny Creek and Klamath populations both undergo swift growth in their early life, but differ in terms of maximum size; Jenny Creek suckers reach maturity at about 140 mm by the age of 3, while Klamath suckers are much larger and can reach up to 400 mm by the age of 10.[14]
Genetics
editKlamath smallscale suckers are genetically closely related to three other species of the Catostomidae family that also inhabit the Klamath River: Klamath largescale suckers, Lost River suckers, and Shortnose suckers.[15] The four species and their eggs are highly similar in appearance, leading to frequent misclassification. New research indicates that hybridization is happening amongst these species and amplifies expert concerns surrounding the integrity of their genetic lineages.[16]
Conservation Status
editThis species’ status as sensitive underscores the need for specific, targeted conservation efforts. Advocates for conservation stress habitat restoration and monitoring as pivotal for protecting their populations, particularly due to the environmental challenges in the Klamath Basin, including water diversion and climate change.[17]
References
edit- ^ "ADW: Catostomus rimiculus: CLASSIFICATION". animaldiversity.org. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
- ^ a b Rossa, Jeannine M.; Parker, Michael S. (October 24, 2007). "Population Characteristics of Jenny Creek Suckers (Catostomus rimiculus): Age-Size Relationships, Age Distribution, Apparent Densities, and Management Implications". Southern Oregon Digital Archives. U. S. Bureau of Land Management. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ a b "Klamath smallscale sucker - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2022-10-09.
- ^ "Klamath Sucker Fish". Oregon Wild. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ "California Fish Species - California Fish Website". calfish.ucdavis.edu. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ "Klamath Smallscale Sucker". ucdavis.edu. UC Davis. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
- ^ "Klamath Smallscale Sucker". ucdavis.edu. UC Davis. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
- ^ Steve Kirk, Katharine Carter and. "Appendix 5 Fish and Fishery Resources of the Klamath River Basin" (PDF). www.waterboards.ca.gov. Government of California. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
- ^ Smith, J. (2020). Genetic Diversity of Klamath Basin Fish (Report). Journal of Fish Biology. Retrieved 2024-10-15.
- ^ Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. (2022). Sensitive Species List (Report). Retrieved 2024-10-15.
- ^ "Sucker, Klamath Smallscale". igfa.org. International Game Fish Association. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
- ^ "California Fish Species - California Fish Website". calfish.ucdavis.edu. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ Jones, A.; Taylor, B. (2019). Reproductive Habits of Klamath Basin Suckers (Report). Fisheries Research Journal. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ Miller, R. (2021). Growth Patterns of Catostomus Species (Report). Aquatic Biology Studies. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ Smith, Matt; Bargen, Jennifer Von; Smith, Christian; Miller, Michael; Rasmussen, Josh; Hewitt, David A. (March 4, 2020). Characterization of the genetic structure of four sucker species in the Klamath River Basin (Report). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ Green, T. (2023). Hybridization in Klamath Basin Suckers (Report). Environmental Genetics. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ Klamath Basin Conservation Council. (2023). Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species (Report). Retrieved 2024-10-16.