Factors influencing fish assemblages of a high-elevation desert stream system in Wyoming

Authors

Bernard Carter, University of Wyoming, Laramie
Wayne A. Hubert, University of Wyoming, Laramie

Abstract

Seven fish species were found in the Bitter Creek drainage of southwest Wyoming, but only speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), and mountain sucker (Catostomus platyrhynchus) were indigenous. No relationships were found between fish standing stocks and habitat features, but species richness was related to elevation and stream width. No fish were found above an elevation of 2192 m. Only the most downstream study reach had more than three species present. Two indigenous species, speckled dace and mountain sucker, and a nonnative species, fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), were predominant fishes in the drainage. These three species withstand intermittent stream flows that are common in the drainage.

Recommended Citation

Carter, Bernard and Hubert, Wayne A. (1995) "Factors influencing fish assemblages of a high-elevation desert stream system in Wyoming," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 55: No. 2, Article 10.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol55/iss2/10