WOUNDFIN Plagopterus argentissimus (Cope, 1874) 



Order: CYPRINIFORMES Family: CYPRINIDAE 



Significance : This, the most specialized of the 3 genera of the Plagopterini , is 

 ecologically restricted to a swift-river habitat. 



Distinguishing characteristics : A member of the specialized New World tribe Plagopterini 

 (with spinelike rays in dorsal and pelvic fins) that lacks scales, has the head and belly 

 flattened, is bright silvery, has a well developed barbel, has the intermandibular region 

 spongy , a long first dorsal spine , and a nearly horizontal mouth . 



Present distribution : Now virtually restricted to the Virgin River below Hurricane, Utah. 



Former distribution : The lower Colorado and Gila River basins in Arizona, Nevada and 

 Utah. 



Status : Jeopardized. 



Estimated numbers : Unknown . 



Fecundity : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline : Modification of habitat by man. The species is adapted to life in 

 sandy, swift, turbid rivers. 



Protective measures already taken : None . 



Measures proposed : Research to determine habitat requirements so as to establish a 

 population elsewhere if the proposed dam above St. George, Utah, is funded. If the 

 dam is not built, establish the Virgin River below the narrows as a sanctuary. 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity : It is questionable whether the species can be cultured. 



Remarks : Data provided by Dr. James E. Deacon, Nevada Southern University, Las Vegas, 

 and Dr. Robert R. Miller, University of Michigan. 



References : 



La Rivers, I. 1962. Fish and fisheries of Nevada . Nevada State Fish and Game 



Commission, 782 p. 

 Miller, R. R. and C. L. Hubbs . 1960. The spiny-rayed cyprinid fishes 



(Plagopterini) of the Colorado River system. Misc. Publ . Mus . Zool . Univ. 



Mich., 115, 39 p. 

 Minckley, W. L. and J. E. Deacon. 1968. Southwestern fishes and the enigma of 



"endangered species." Science, 159 (3822). p. 1424-1432. 



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