Range and Identity
Cottus rhotheus is recorded from the upper Fraser region toward Oregon's Nehalem, including much of the Columbia drainage. These western North American systems cross political boundaries. A regional map should not imply occupancy of every isolated lake or coastal drainage between the named endpoints.
Habitat and Behavior
Adults use rubble and gravel riffles in rivers, while rocky lake shores are also documented. Both habitat types feature coarse bottom, but their water movement can differ. The species should not be described as limited to torrents simply because of its common name.
Food and Life History
The upper reference is 15.5 centimeters total length, with 6.8 centimeters listed as common. Small fish take planktonic crustaceans and aquatic insect larvae, especially midges and mayflies. Larger individuals consume minnows and other fishes. A tentative spawning month is not treated as a fixed calendar.
Field Note
Record fish size with feeding observations. A juvenile's invertebrate diet and an adult's fish prey can both be correct descriptions of different life stages.
All Lakes With Torrent Sculpin
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Torrent Sculpin records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.