In Wyoming Brook Stickleback Culaea inconstans co-occur with native non-game fishes including at least six species that are listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Despite extensive overlap with SGCNs, there has been no research on potential interactions between these species. It is unclear what level of risk Brook Stickleback establishment and expansion poses to the Wyoming native nongame fish assemblages. We propose to address this knowledge gap.
Objectives: To evaluate the potential threat posed by Brook Stickleback to Wyoming native nongame fishes. Specifically we plan to:
1. Evaluate Brook Stickleback establishment and expansion in Wyoming;
2. Assess Brook Stickleback habitat use and diet; and
3. Determine which native nongame fishes may be at risk from Brook Stickleback expansion.
Project Lead
Jake Ruthven: Jake completed his MS in 2022 and now works for Idaho Fish and Game Department. Jake is a M.S. student in the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Wyoming. His research seeks to understand the effects of Brook Stickleback Culaea inconstans on native nongame fishes in Wyoming. MORE »

Funding & Partners
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department