Cottus pitensis Bailey and Bond 1963

Moyle, Peter B. & Campbell, Matthew A., 2022, Cryptic Species of Freshwater Sculpin (Cottidae: Cottus) in California, USA, Zootaxa 5154 (5), pp. 501-527 : 517-518

Cottus pitensis Bailey and Bond 1963 .

Pit Sculpin

( Fig. 3 ).

Cottus pitensis is described in detail by Bailey and Bond (1963), a description that largely overlaps that of C. gulosus . Diagnostic features are given below.

Holotype. UMMZ 130558 , adult male 83 mm SL, from North Fork , Pit River, 1934.

Paratypes. UMMZ 130559 , six specimens 55–76 mm SL .

Diagnosis. “Distinguished from gulosus by consistent absence of palatine teeth, the usually better-developed lateral line, and the typical complement of two preopercular spines ( Bailey and Bond 1963, p. 21). According to Bailey and Bond (1963), C. gulosus has 2–4 preopercular spines but usually 3, while C. pitensis has 1–3, but usually 2. In the original description, Girard (1854) noted that C. gulosus has two preopercular spines. All other characteristics show broad overlap ( Bailey and Bond 1963). Genomic studies ( Baumsteiger et al. 2014, this study) confirm its species status, as does the distinct distribution. See Table 1 for meristic counts on specimens used in this study (n=8).

Distribution. Endemic to the Pit River watershed in northeastern California and southeastern Oregon. Oregon populations are found in tributaries to Goose Lake, including Drews, Cottonwood, and Thomas creeks (Lake County, Oregon). In California, the Pit Sculpin is found in tributaries to Goose Lake (Lassen and Willow Creeks) and then south in streams throughout the Pit River watershed (Modoc and Shasta counties) to Squaw Valley Creek, now a tributary to Shasta Reservoir. Kinziger et al. (2016) note that the complex geologic history of the region has resulted in some population structure in the Pit Sculpin, suggesting further investigation of its taxonomic relationships is needed.

Etymology. Named after the Pit River, which encompasses its distribution. The Pit River was so named because early Euro-American visitors were impressed by the deep pits dug by the native peoples to trap wildlife ( Gudde and Bright 1998).

Figures

FIGURE 3. (A) Distribution of Cottus pitensis in northeastern California (light green). This distribution is mostly in streams of the Pit River basin in California but extends into Oregon tributaries of Goose Lake (upper right corner of map). (B) Drawing of C. pitensis holotype from Bailey and Bond (1963), collected from the North Fork Pit River, Modoc County, CA.