NEW DISTRIBUTIONAL RECORDS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY USA FISHES

Abstract

A 2-yr survey of the major river drainages of eastern Kentucky resulted in new records and range extensions of several rare or poorly known fish species. Ichthyomyzon fossor is reported for the 1st time in the Little Sandy River and South Fork of the Kentucky River, and Notropis galacturus from the Big Sandy, Laurel and upper Cumberland (above the falls) rivers. The range of Phoxinus cumberlandensis is extended to include Laurel and Rockcastle rivers. Etheostoma tippecanoe is noted for the 1st time in the Cumberland River within Kentucky, and the most upstream record of Percina phoxocephala in the Ohio River valley of the state is reported. Additional localities and range extensions are noted for 8 rare or poorly known Kentucky fishes [Percopsis omiscomycus, Ammocrypta pellucida, Percina copelandi, P. squamata, P. oxyrhyncha, Etheostoma nigrum susanae, E. cinereum, Notropis sp.]. Notes on distribution, habitat, and associates are included.