KENDALL WARM SPRINGS DACE Rhinichthys osculus thermalis (Hubbs) 



Order: CYPRINIFORMES Family: CYPRINIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Smaller and with fewer scales than Green River dace . 

 When breeding, the males are purplish, females greenish in color, 2-3 inches long. 



Present distribution : This subspecies is apparently a result of geographical isolation. 

 It is found only in Kendall Warm Springs , tributary to the Green River in Wyoming and 

 near the site of the old Kendall R . S . , Bridger N .F . 



Former distribution : Same as above . 



Status : In peril because of comparatively small population, small area of habitat, and 

 easy access to it. Exact taxonomic position of this fish is unresolved. 



Estimated numbers : Not known . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Known to spawn from June to September . 



Reasons for decline : Limited habitat and use by fishermen for bait. 



Protective measures already taken : Unknown . 



Measures proposed : Prohibit seining or otherwise taking fish from Kendall Warm Springs . 



Number in captivity : Unknown . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



Remarks : Kendall Warm Springs should be set aside as a sanctuary much like the 

 Kirtland Warbler Area and reserved for the Kendall Warm Springs Dace . This is the only 

 place this subspecies exists . The stream in which it lives is made up of the flow from a 

 group of warm springs and is isolated from the Green River by a ten foot waterfall built 

 up by its own deposits . The stream has a depth of only one to two feet and a temperature 

 of 85 degrees F. The altitude is approximately 7,800 feet. There has been a proposal for 

 a B. of R. dam on the Green River which would inundate these springs. Should this 

 transpire, the existing population could only be preserved by transplanting to a suitable 

 site . 



References : 



Green, A. F. C. Personal records. 



Simon, J. R. 1946. Wyoming fishes. Wyoming Game & Fish Department Bulletin 

 No. 4, 129 pp. 



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