LITTLE COLORADO SPINEDACE Lepidomeda vittata (Cope, 1874) 



Order: CYPRINIFORMES Family: CYPRINIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A two to four-inch silvery minnow with the 2 anterior 

 dorsal rays spinelike, 8 anal rays, pharyngeal teeth in main row 4-4, and lateral-line 

 scales usually more than 90 . 



Present distribution : Upper part of the Little Colorado River basin, eastern Arizona, 



Former distribution : Similar to present, only more abundant and widespread. 



Status : Very uncommon . Found only in a few streams . 



Estimated numbers : No data. 



Fecundity : Egg counts for 12 females ranged from 650 to 5,600 (2-4 inch fish) . 



Reasons for decline : Reductions in stream flow, introduction of exotics, domestic 

 pollution, and chemical rehabilitation of habitat. 



Protective measures already taken : U.S. Forest Service considers the possible effects 

 on habitat by any new projects in the area; a refuge was established on East Clear Creek. 



Measures proposed : Prevent introductions of exotic fishes; restrict collecting; introduce 

 this species in another drainage. 



Number in captivity; None . 



Culture potential in captivity; Unknown . 



References : 



Miller, R. R. 1963. Distribution, variation, and ecology of Lepidomeda vittata , 



a rare cyprinid fish endemic to eastern Arizona. Copeia, 1963, No. 1, p. 1-5. 

 Minckley, W. L. and L. H. Carufel . 1967. The Little Colorado River spinedace, 



Lepidomeda vittata , in Arizona. Southwestern Naturalist, Vol. 12, No. 3, 



p. 291-302. 



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