MOHAVE CHUB Gila (Siphateles ) mohavensis (Snyder, 1918) 



Order: CYPRINIFORMES Family: CYPRINIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A lacustrine-type chub with 18 to 29 (usually 21-27) 

 gill rakers, a moderately oblique mouth, and a slender pharyngeal arch. 



Present distribution : A pure population is known only from Lake Tuendae, Zzyzx 

 Resort, 9 miles south of Baker, California. Similar chubs have been located in the 

 Owens River, but have not yet been identified (1970) . 



Former distribution : Mohave River basin, California. 



Status : Jeopardized . 



Estimated numbers : Several thousand. 



Fecundity : No data . 



Reasons for decline : Introduction of exotic fish competitors, particularly, Gila orcutti , 

 the arroyo chub, with which the native species has hybridized. 



Protective measures already taken : The California Department of Fish and Game has 

 introduced this species in 3 other areas (1969-1970) . The owner of the Resort is 

 sympathetic toward maintaining the species . Classed endangered and protected by 

 California law . 



Measures proposed : Surveillance of transplant areas and additional transplants . 



Number in captivity : None . 



Ctilture potential in captivity : Unknown . 



Remarks: Data provided by Dr. Robert R. Miller, University of Michigan and the 

 California Department of Fish and Game . Recommended as endangered by Desert 

 Fishes Council. 



References : 



Hubbs, C. L. and R. R. Miller. 1943. Mass hybridization between two genera 



of cyprinid fishes in the Mohave Desert, California. Pap. Mich. Acad. 



Sci., Arts, and Letters, 28. p. 343-378. 

 Miller, R. R. 1968. Records of some native freshwater fishes transplanted 



into various waters of California, Baja, California, and Nevada. California 



Fish and Game, Vol. 54, No. 3, p. 170-179. 



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