Status of an Undescribed Sculpin in the New River Drainage, Virginia

Restricted to the upper Bluestone River system in Virginia and West Virginia, the Bluestone Sculpin (Cottus sp.) is one of eight endemic fish species in the New River drainage. Besides being undescribed, basic status, demographic, habitat preference information is lacking resulting in shortcomings for its management and conservation. Our study indicated that the species is secure from a single stochastic event; however, threats from residential and industrial pollution are still present. Future research will examine breeding period, fecundity, and diet, and assess age by analyzing otoliths.