Abstract

The Weberian mechanisms of three Utah Lake suckers (Catostomidae: Catostominae; Catostomini), Catostomus fecundus Cope and Yarrow, Chasmistes liorus Jordan, and Catostomus ardens Jordan and Gilbert, were examined, described, and compared, and a statistical analysis was made of some of their more important differences. The mechanisms were found to be basically similar to one another and to those of other Catostomini as previously described and/or illustrated. They are individually distinct, but each varies within its own limits, the intraspecific variation being greatest in the wider-ranging Catostomus ardens and least in the seemingly most restricted Catostomus fecundus. From the evidence at hand it appears that the above taxa are three distinct species. Chasmistes liorus is more abundant that Catostomus fecundus; Catostomus ardens presumably is very rare. Catostomus fecundus seems more closely related to Chasmistes liorus, and future studies may verify that Catostomus fecundus should be transferred to the genus Chasmistes.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

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