WARM SPRING PUPFISH Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis (Miller, 1948) 



Order: ATHERINIFORMES Family: CYPRINODONTIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A subspecies of Cyprinodon nevadensis characterized 

 principally by an increased number of pectoral fin rays, usually 17. 



Present distribution : School (formerly Lovell's) Spring and Scruggs Springs in the 

 northern part of Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nevada. 



Former distribution : Not known to be different from present distribution , 



Status : Jeopardized because of its very restricted distribution and encroachment of 

 exotic fishes . 



Estimated numbers : Insufficient data . 



Fecundity : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline : Introduction of the predatory fish Gambusia affinis ; disturbance 

 of habitat by man. 



Protective measures already taken : School Spring, which is administered by the U.S. 

 Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management, was improved and fenced in 

 1969. In 1970, a well was drilled to serve as an additional water supply during periods 

 of low spring water flow . 



Measures proposed : Continued surveillance and investigation of suitable transplant 

 sites . 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



Remarks : This subspecies was previously known only from School Spring; the additional 

 population, taken about i mile away at Scruggs Springs, was discovered in June 1966. 



Reference : 



Miller, R. R. 1948. The cyprinodont fishes of the Death Valley system of eastern 

 California and southwestern Nevada. Misc. Publ. Mus . Zool . Univ. Mich., 

 68:1-155, figs. 1-5, maps 1-3. pis. 1-15. 



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