Aquatic Species at Risk - Shorthead Sculpin

This species has been assessed as Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). It was reclassified under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) from Threatened to Special Concern in March 2013.

General Description

A dull, mottled yellow-brown, the Shorthead sculpin is most easily recognized by its large mouth and fan-shaped pectoral fins. This tiny fish has a relatively large head and a cone-shaped body that is just over 10 cm long on average.

Population & Distribution

The Canadian range, and northern limit of this species includes just 68 kilometres of rivers and streams in southeast British Columbia — specifically, Shorthead sculpin are present in the Slocan River, the Kettle River and the mainstem and tributaries of the Columbia River. The fish is also found in the United States, west of the Continental Divide.

Habitat

The Shorthead Sculpin usually inhabits small rivers draining mountainous regions, which have a moderate to swift current and moderately cool water. It occurs in riffle habitats with stones or gravel, used for shelter and breeding.

Biology

Very little is known about the Shorthead sculpin, however, being territorial and inhabiting small creeks this fish probably does not stray far (e.g. more than 5m2) from its home range.

The Shorthead sculpin may reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age or beyond, and probably lives no more than 5 years. Spawning occurs in spring or early summer; females usually lay eggs in nests built by males on the underside of rocks, or in existing cavities.

The species feeds primarily on aquatic insect larvae. Shorthead sculpin are probably eaten by salmonids, birds and mammals.

Threats

The Shorthead sculpin is particularly sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat, often caused by a range of human activities; these may include logging, urbanization, pollution, hydroelectric damming, and climate change. An increase in water temperature (even by 1.5oC) resulting from some of these changes could prove stressful for the sculpin. The introduction of exotic species is also a concern given the limited distribution of this fish.

Protection

The Shorthead sculpin is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Consequently, a recovery strategy was drafted with joint cooperation from DFO and the province of BC, with the purpose of outlining the projects or activities required to meet the goals and objectives of the recovery strategy.

Sculpin studies are being undertaken as part of the Columbia River Water Use Plan led by BC Hydro and results of these studies will inform decisions around water management. This species’ habitat is also afforded protection under the federal Fisheries Act.

What can you do?

• Prevent pollution: Avoid polluting streams, lakes and rivers with garbage, fuel, pesticides or other contaminants. Remember that much of what you pour into your drains will ultimately make it to river systems.
• Keep beaches clean: always put trash in trash cans, especially near rivers, lakes and beaches.
• Recyle and reuse: help reduce waste by recycling or reusing plastic and paper goods.
• Participate in community consultations: Get involved in Community Working Groups or visit http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/sara-lep/index-eng.htm
• Volunteer: This may include participating on committees, attending meetings, assisting at educational outreach events, distributing outreach materials, getting involved with a conservation organization, or just simply telling a neighbour or a friend about this species.

The Shorthead sculpin will get the protection it needs only if all Canadians work together to reduce threats. Find out more and do your best to reduce these threats wherever possible to better protect this species at risk and its habitat. Get involved with the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk (HSP) or another conservation organization.

References

COSEWIC 2011. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the shorthead sculpin Cottus confusus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 50 pp.

SARA Registry Shorthead Sculpin Species Profile