Life History Notes for a Population of Slimy Sculpin (Cottus cognatus) in an Alaskan Arctic Stream

Abstract

The distribution of a slow-growing population of slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) extends farther than most fishes into the headwaters of the Chandalar River, Yukon River drainage. The maximum observed age was 7 by which time the fish averaged only 101 mm in length. Most sculpin matured at age 4. The spawning season appeared to be shortly after spring breakup (late May). Fecundity averaged 206 eggs (range 59–339 eggs). The fish fed almost exclusively on stream benthos, chironomid larvae being the most common food item.