37 



Temperature 



Temperature appears to exhibit some influence on species distribution although species 

 specific tolerance ranges were not determined in this study. Basic temperature ranges were 

 identified graphically for the three more common sculpin species in the study area. Torrent 

 sculpins were typically found at sites with warmer stream temperatures. Shorthead 

 sculpins appeared to be associated with sites containing lower stream temperatures. Slimy 

 sculpins appeared to prefer sites between the two mean temperature ranges of torrent and 

 shorthead sculpins. 



Benthic Macroinvertebrates 



There was no quantitative data linking sculpin abundance with benthic 

 macroinverteberate density. Initially, it was hypothesized that a direct relationship would 

 exist between sculpin density and benthic macroinvertebrate density since the literature 

 states that invertebrates are a major component of sculpin diets (Brown 197 1). This lack 

 of a direct link might be due more to sampling methodology rather than results contrary to 

 the hypothesis. Rating invertebrate densities qualitatively was marginal at best. In 

 addition, a complete invertebrate taxonomy list with respective densities was not 

 undertaken. Sculpin mouthparts may restrict their diets allowing them to feed on aquatic 

 insects occupying specific micro-habitats within the substrate. Generalized evaluations of 

 zoobenthos density would not illustrate these points. Further investigation should include 

 quantitative sampling of invertebrate densities at sampling sites as well as examinations of 

 sculpin stomach contents. 



