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Photo by Krissy Wilson
Photo Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Northern Leatherside
Lepidomeda copei
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G3
State (S-rank): S2
External links
Species range
The Northern Leatherside is a small minnow with a native range covering parts of the Snake and Bear river drainages in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. Within Utah the Northern Leatherside occurs in a handfull of tributaries to the upper Bear River in Summit County. It also may still occur in the very northwest corner of the state in the Goose and Pole Creek drainages.
Habitat
The Northern Leatherside inhabits cool, mid-elevation streams and rivers with moderate currents. Its preferred habitat is characterized by complex streamflows, deep pools, and healthy riparian vegetation, which is often enhanced by beaver activity. Additionally streams where Northern Leatherside persist typically have a complementary native fish community that frequently include Mountain Sucker, and Speckled and Longnose Dace.
Food habits
The Northern Leatherside is a versatile invertebrate-eater, consuming both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Research has shown that their diet largely consists of a variety of insects and crustaceans, with the specific composition varying by location and season
Reproductive characteristics
The Northern Leatherside reproduces in late spring and summer between May and August, when water temperatures reach 15–20 °C. They are fractional spawners, meaning females release multiple batches of eggs over a prolonged period during the spawning season. Spawning occurs almost exclusively over small cobble and gravel substrates. The interstitial spaces between the stones provide protection for the adhesive eggs from both the current and predators.
