FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL Grotto Sculpin Photo: A. J. Hendershott, Missouri Department of Conservation SPECIAL SPELUNKING FISH Grotto sculpin are a unique population of banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae) endemic to limestone caves (or karsts) in Perry County, Missouri. Although banded sculpin have been recorded in caves in a number of states, the small, pale, nearly-blind grotto sculpin may be the only population that are specially adapted to living in subterranean streams. Scientists have documented the distinctive characteristics of the grotto sculpin, but haven’t yet formally described the population as a separate species or subspecies. Grotto sculpin occupy pools and riffles in gently flowing, underground streams of shallow to moderate depth. It appears to be dependent on systems that receive ample organic input and have an abundance of invertebrates to support fish populations. The entire known range of the sculpin comprises 145,000 acres, all of it under private ownership. POROUS PROVINCE Karst regions are unique in that numerous sinkholes allow chemicals and other pollutants to reach groundwater directly, without being filtered. At least two karst systems inhabited by grotto sculpin near Perryville, Missouri, have been contaminated by urban runoff. Two other karst systems have recently experienced significant fish kills that may have been caused by water pollution. Local residents are also known to throw household garbage and other trash into sinkholes, which may affect water quality. Scientists estimate the total population of grotto sculpin at no more than a few thousand individuals. Citing the sculpin’s limited numbers and restricted range, and threats from water pollution and predation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the fish as a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act in 2002. Listing will be necessary to help conserve the grotto sculpin, and the sooner the better for this imperiled fish. KNOW YOUR SCULPIN • “Hole-y” Land. Perry County is known as one of the cave capitals of the United States with more than 630 recorded karsts. • Characteristic Cave Dweller. Grotto sculpin are distinct from other banded sculpins, seemingly evolved for subterranean living. They are lighter colored and have smaller eyes than other sculpins. They have movement-sensing pores on their head that are much larger than those of other sculpins. Grotto sculpin also have fewer rays in their pelvic fins—an adaptation common in cavefish. .