Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Clupeiformes
- Family
- Catostomidae
- Genus
- Chasmistes
- Species
- Cujus
Habitat
Cui ui primarily inhabit deep, alkaline lakes and rivers in Nevada, such as Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River, preferring cool, clear waters with rocky or gravel substrates. They are adapted to high-salinity environments and avoid shallow or turbid areas. This species is endemic to the western Great Basin region of the United States.
Diet
Cui ui are bottom-feeders that primarily consume algae, detritus, and small aquatic invertebrates like midge larvae and zooplankton. They use their sucker-like mouth to forage along the substrate, often feeding during dawn and dusk. Their diet supports their growth in nutrient-poor lake environments.
Behavior
Cui ui are generally solitary but may form loose schools during spawning migrations. They are mostly active at night or during low-light conditions, exhibiting migratory behavior to upstream areas for reproduction. This species is territorial around feeding and spawning sites, avoiding heavily disturbed waters.
Conservation Status
Listed as Endangered by IUCN.