Cui-ui (Chasmistes cujus)

Body Type & Identification: A large sucker endemic exclusively to Pyramid Lake, Nevada — found nowhere else on Earth. Bronze to olive-gray with a subterminal mouth typical of the sucker family. A prehistoric fish that has lived in Pyramid Lake for thousands of years and holds profound cultural and spiritual significance to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Listed as Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act.

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–68°F. Found in the cold, alkaline waters of Pyramid Lake and the lower Truckee River. Spawns in the Truckee River when water levels are sufficient — dam diversions historically blocked spawning runs, nearly driving the species extinct. Population recovering thanks to restoration efforts and water management agreements.

Habitat: Pyramid Lake and lower Truckee River, Nevada — an extremely restricted range. Critically dependent on Truckee River flow for spawning access. A cooperative fishery management program between the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and federal agencies has led to significant population recovery. Sacred to the Pyramid Lake Paiute people.

Best Lures: N/A — federally endangered and culturally significant. No fishing permitted.

Best Baits: N/A — fully protected. The recovery of the Cui-ui is a conservation success story in progress — support Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe restoration efforts.

Top 5 Destinations: Not applicable — a protected species of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Observe respectfully at Pyramid Lake.