7155

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7155
• Author: Holden, P. B., W. White and G. Somerville
• Title: Threatened Fishes of Utah
• USFW Year: 1974
• USFW - Doc Type: 51, Part 2
• Copyright Material: YES

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HOLDEN, ET AL.: THREATENED FISHES OF UTAH

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Figure 5. Least chub adult.

Documentation: The least chub is endemic to the Bonneville basin of
Utah. It was originally common in most lowland streams, springs, and
ponds (Jordan, 1891; Sigler and Miller, 1963). A decrease in. range and
abundance was noted in the 1940s and 19S0s by R. R. Miller and C. L.
Hubbs. More recent investigations have found. the least chub in only a few
springs in Snake Valley of extreme western Utah (Utah Division of Wild-
life, Bureau of Land Management). Present data suggest that this species is
very rare, although no thorough study of rmge and abundance has been
completed.
Factors Influencing Decline: The major reason for decline of least chub
populations appears to be loss of habitattIn-ough water diversion. A case
in point is the type locality in the Beaver River, which is preset.!t1y dry
much of the year. Many of the small streaImemanating from the Wasatch
Range are diverted or polluted once they readl the valley.
Recent Studies: The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Bureau
of Land Management are currently examinimg range and occurrence of the
species in the Snake Valley area.
Recommendations: I t is recommended that a study be made into the
statewide distribution of this species. Protection of the Snake Valley
populations should be adequate to preserve the species.

Ouzsmistes iiorus-June Sucker; Catostomus(ecundus-Webug Sucker

Status: Indeterminate
Description: The confusion surroundingdlese sucker species seriously
hampers accurate description. The genus ClBttsmistes is characterized by a
large, flat head and a distinctive terminal mouth. The very unsuckerlike
mouth has a thin upper lip and a folded lower lip. Theupper lip is con-

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