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Writer's pictureJonathan Gosling

The Rocky Mountain Sculpin: Alberta’s Hidden Gem



Have you ever heard of the Rocky Mountain Sculpin? This small, quirky fish might not be the most famous resident of Alberta’s waterways, but it certainly has its own charm. Found only in two watersheds in Alberta, the Rocky Mountain Sculpin is a unique species that deserves our attention and care.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCULPIN. PHOTO CREDIT: ELLIOT LINDSAY


What is a Rocky Mountain Sculpin? The Rocky Mountain Sculpin (Cottus sp.) is a bottom-dwelling fish typically measuring 8-10 cm long. With its mottled brown and green coloration, it blends perfectly into the rocky streambeds it calls home. Its large pectoral fins give it a distinctive, almost cartoonish appearance, making it a favourite among fish enthusiasts and biologists alike.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCULPIN. PHOTO CREDIT: ELLIOT LINDSAY


Where Can You Find Them? In Alberta, the Rocky Mountain Sculpin is restricted to two specific watersheds: the St. Mary River and the Milk River. These watersheds provide the clean, cool, and well-oxygenated water that the sculpin needs to thrive. Unfortunately, this limited distribution makes the species highly vulnerable to habitat changes and other environmental pressures.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCULPIN CANADIAN RANGE. IMAGE CREDIT: NATURE CONSERVANCY OF CANADA


Why Are They Threatened? Several factors contribute to the Rocky Mountain Sculpin’s precarious status. Habitat degradation poses significant threats primarily due to agricultural runoff, water extraction, and infrastructure development. Climate change also alters water temperatures and flow patterns, further stressing these delicate ecosystems. As a result, the Rocky Mountain Sculpin is currently listed as threatened under Alberta’s Wildlife Act.

OHV FORDS IMPACTING THE HABITAT OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCULPIN. IMAGE CREDIT: ELLIOT LINDSAY


Why Should We Care? Despite its small size, the Rocky Mountain Sculpin is crucial to its ecosystem. As both predator (of invertebrates) and prey (think bull trout snack), it helps maintain the balance of aquatic life. Its presence indicates a healthy stream environment, which benefits not just the sculpin but also other species, including those that are more directly important to humans, like trout.

BULL TROUT LIKE THIS RELIES ON PREY SUCH AS ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCULPIN. IMAGE CREDIT: JONATHAN GOSLING


How Can We Help? Protecting the Rocky Mountain Sculpin requires a concerted effort to preserve and restore its habitat. Here are a few ways we can help:

  1. Support Conservation Efforts: TUC, along with many partner organizations, is working to protect Alberta’s waterways. Consider donating to or volunteering with groups dedicated to aquatic conservation. Look on Eventbrite to find upcoming events if you’d like to participate!

  2. Advocate for Sustainable Practices: Encourage agricultural and industrial practices that minimize environmental impact. This includes supporting initiatives for better water management and reduced chemical runoff. Be water-conscious!

  3. Spread the Word: Education is a powerful tool. Share information about the Rocky Mountain Sculpin and its plight with friends, family, and community members. You might encourage the next group of people to take action!


The Rocky Mountain Sculpin may be small, but its importance to Alberta’s aquatic ecosystems is immense. By taking steps to protect this charming little fish, we’re also safeguarding the health of our waterways for future generations. Let’s ensure that the Rocky Mountain Sculpin continues to swim in Alberta’s rivers for years to come.

For more information on the Rocky Mountain Sculpin and the COTTUS project overall, see our previous blog post!


Thank you to the generous funders who supported the COTTUS project, including the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, through the federal Habitat Stewardship Program for Aquatic Species at Risk and Alberta Conservation Association’s Community, Education, and Conservation Grants. In‐kind support was also received from the Blackfoot Confederacy through their participation in sampling events and Cows and Fish for assisting with project planning.

References:

  1. Alberta Environment and Parks. 2023. Alberta Recovery Plan for At-Risk Fish Species in the Milk and St. Mary Rivers. Alberta Species at Risk Recovery Plan No. 45. Edmonton, AB. 45 pp.

  2. Barrett, R.T., Teillet, M., Watkinson, D.A., Rudolfsen, T.A., and Gutowsky, L.F.G. 2024. Rocky Mountain Sculpin (Cottus sp.) sampling in the St. Mary and Milk River watersheds, Alberta (2022). Can. Data Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1389: v + 16 p.

  3. Canada, O. (2013). Recovery potential assessment of Rocky Mountain Sculpin (Cottus sp.), Eastslope populations, in Alberta.

  4. Government of Canada. (2019) Rocky Mountain Sculpin (Cottus sp.): COSEWIC assessment and status report 2019. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Rocky Mountain Sculpin (Cottus sp.) Pacific populations Saskatchewan – Nelson River populations Missouri River populations in Canada 2019.

  5. Nature Conservancy of Canada. (n.d.). NCC: Rocky Mountain sculpin. Featured Species.

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