[3] Growth rates for the Klamath Largescale Sucker have not been measured precisely, but they likely reach maturity at 20-30 cm in length, around 4-6 years of age.

After hatching, larvae move quickly from spawning sites to rearing areas, drifting at night during their early swim-up stage.

[8] As these large algae blooms die off, their decomposition depletes oxygen in the water, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic life.

The degraded water quality also increases the prevalence of pathogens and parasites, further weakening fish and compounding the challenges to sucker survival.

In contrast, California populations are confined to a reservoir, a heavily polluted river, and a wastewater sump, making them more vulnerable to these threats.

[9] Going forward, climate change is expected to significantly impact aquatic habitats in California, primarily through rising water temperatures and shifts in the timing and frequency of droughts and floods.

Higher water temperatures can negatively affect fish by reducing growth, lowering reproductive success, and increasing susceptibility to diseases.

Additionally, climate change will alter the timing and intensity of peak and base flows in streams due to decreased snowpack and reduced seasonal water retention.

These changes could make streams less suitable for spawning and rearing and lead to lower flow levels in the Lost River, particularly during extended droughts.

Klamath Largescale Suckers were identified as critically at risk of extinction due to the combined effects of climate change and existing stressors[5]even though there is limited data on their actual population numbers.

Suckerfish, including the Klamath Largescale Sucker, hold significant cultural value for local tribes and were a primary food source for centuries before European settlement.

[10] Today, Klamath Tribes are limited to capturing only a small number of fish, primarily for scientific research and occasional ceremonial use.

To support the survival of these species, the tribes, along with government agencies and private organizations, are actively working to protect and restore the habitats critical to sucker populations.