There's a new fish in the West, and it's already laid claim to stretches of river in Idaho and Montana.

Researchers from the United States Forest Service and University of Montana say they're discovered a new fish species, after conducting a series of genetic surveys on aquatic life in the upper Columbia River basin and then confirming the data through morphological studies.

The new species was found in the Coeur d' Alene and St. Joe River basins in Idaho and part of the Clark Fork River basin in Montana.

Since the current range of the new fish overlaps the historical homeland of the Coeur d' Alene Tribe, scientists consulted with tribal elders when selecting a scientific name for the new species --- and settled on Cottus schitsuumsh (s-CHEET-sue-umsh), the Cedar Sculpin.

Schitsu'umsh means "those who were found here" and is actually the name of the Tribe. Likewise, western red cedar trees line many of waterways in the region.

"Recognizing species of sculpins is a challenge because even distantly related species look very much alike. So rather than taking a morphological approach to identification, we used genetic methods to delineate the species," explained Forest Service research fisheries biologist Michael Young in a release. "It's really exciting to find a new species of fish. It's something you might expect in more remote parts of the world, but not in the U.S."

A part of the report posted on the Forest Service Website explains that "although historically confused with the Shorthead Sculpin (C. confusus), the genetic distance between C. schitsuumsh and C. confusus suggests these species are distant relatives." Further testing as in fact determined the newly-discovered fish is a distant relative of the Rocky Mountain Sculpin.

Young said the Cedar Sculpin likely emerged as a distinct species thousands of years ago but was blocked from intermingling with other sculpin species by waterfalls along the Spokane River.

Sculpins, often the only type of small fish found in headwater streams, serve as an important food source for sport fish, such as large trout, and also provide an indicator of water quality.

The Cedar Sculpin has been found to be rather abundant in cold tributaries where the Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout are found.