(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
                         Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS251004
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



TAXONOMY

NAME - DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS OTHER COMMON NAMES - DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS;DACE, SPECKLED, AMARGOSA; DACE, SPECKLED and NEVADA ELEMENT CODE - CATEGORY - Fish PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA, CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES, ORDER AND SUBORDER - CYPRINIFORMES, FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CYPRINIDAE, GENUS AND SUBGENUS - RHINICHTHYS, SPECIES AND SSP - OSCULUS, NEVADENSIS SCIENTIFIC NAME - RHINICHTHYS OSCULUS NEVADENSIS AUTHORITY - TAXONOMY REFERENCES - COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY - Ash Meadows Speckled Dace Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis (Gilbert, 1893) KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes ORDER: Cypriniformes FAMILY: Cyprinidae Since its description in 1893, the name nevadensis has been applied to speckled dace populations in Ash Meadows, the Amargosa River drainage, and the Owens Valley. Recent taxonomic treatments (e.g., 02) have held that only the Ash Meadows populations should be afforded the name nevadensis. Other populations (e.g., Amargosa Canyon, Owens Valley) are undescribed subspecies of Rhinichthys osculus. This agrees with the concept of the Federally listed "species" being restricted to Ash Meadows, Nevada. A wide range of morphological variation exists among the many described and undescribed subspecies of Rhinichthys osculus. In general, speckled dace are characterized as small minnows; with a slender, rather terete body (heaviest well forward); small eyes; and small, usually subterminal mouth (06,09). A small barbel is often present at each corner of the mouth (06,09). Scales are small and often irregularly placed (076,07,09). Color is variable, but dark Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS251004 Date 14 MAR 96 specks are often present in forms from relatively clear water; wheras forms from turbid waters may lack specks and instead possess a dark lateral band. No thorough morphological analysis has been completed for Ash Meadows subspecies. Some data is contained in the rather brief original description (04,07). A drawing of the type specimen of R. o. nevadensis is provided in the original description (04). Many drawings and photographs of closely related forms of speckled dace exist in the literature (06,07, 09). Most museum specimens of R. o. nevadensis are deposited at the University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology, Ann Arbor. Synonyms of the scientific name include Apacope nevadensis, Agosia nevadensis, Rhinichthys osculus, Rhinichthys nubilus nevadensis, and Rhinichthys nevadensis. Synonyms for the common name include Amargosa speckled dace and Nevada speckled dace. Taxonomy - 2
                                  (DRAFT) - Status
                         Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS251004
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



STATUS

Coded Status E: Federal Endangered Non-consumptive recreational COMMENTS ON STATUS - U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS: The Ash Meadows speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis) has been designated an Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The subspecies has this status wherever found including the State of Nevada. Critical Habitat has been designated in Nye County, NV (50 CFR 17.95(e)) in portions of T18S, R50E, Sec. 11 and T18S, R51E, Sec. 18 and 19. This subspecies is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring): (1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of any State law or regulation; or (2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law. It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S. territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian tribal law. RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES: USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and law enforcement/protection of this species. BLM -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this species with applicable State and Federal laws on public land under their control (43 CFR 4140). Also responsible for management/recovery on Bureau of Land Management lands. All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402), and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of the species. STATE STATUSES AND LAWS: Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS251004 Date 14 MAR 96 STATE: Nevada DESIGNATED STATUS: Protected, Endangered ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Nevada Department of Wildlife STATE STATUTE: Nevada Administrative Code 501.181, 501.351, 503.584, 503.585, and 503.587 - 503.509. INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS: None. ECONOMIC STATUSES: As a species within the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, occupying a unique and fragile habitat, the speckled dace has educational and interpretive values, and attracts significant attention for these purposes. 82/05/10:47 FR 19995/ - Emergency rule, listed Endangered w/ CH 83/01/05:48 FR 00608/00616 - Emergency rule, listed Endangered w/ CH 83/01/05:48 FR 00617/00625 - Proposed rule, list as Endangered w/ CH 83/09/02:48 FR 40178/40186 - Final rule, listed as Endangered w/ CH Status - 2
     

HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - AQUATIC INLAND AQUATIC LAND USE - Residential Herbaceous Rangeland Shrub and Brush Rangeland Mixed Rangeland Streams and Canals Nonforested Wetland NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC Riverine, intermittent UB4 Riverine, intermittent UB3 Riverine, intermittent UB2 4UB Riverine, intermittent SB4 Riverine, intermittent SB3 Riverine, intermittent SB2 Riverine, intermittent SB1 Riverine, intermittent RB2 Riverine, intermittent RB1 Riverine, intermittent OW0 Riverine, intermittent AB3 Riverine, intermittent AB2 Riverine, intermittent AB1 3UB Riverine, upper perennial UB3 Riverine, upper perennial UB2 Riverine, upper perennial UB1 Riverine, upper perennial SB4 Riverine, upper perennial SB3 Riverine, upper perennial SB2 Riverine, upper perennial SB1 Riverine, upper perennial RB2 Riverine, upper perennial RB1 Riverine, upper perennial OW0 3AB Riverine, upper perennial AB2 Riverine, upper perennial AB1 Riverine, lower perennial UB4 Riverine, lower perennial UB3 Riverine, lower perennial UB2 Riverine, lower perennial UB1 Riverine, lower perennial SB4 Riverine, lower perennial SB3 Riverine, lower perennial SB2 Riverine, lower perennial SB1 2RB Riverine, lower perennial RB1 Riverine, lower perennial OW0 Riverine, lower perennial AB3 Riverine, lower perennial AB2 Riverine, lower perennial AB1 Palustrine OW0 Habitat Associations - 1 NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC Palustrine EM2 Palustrine EM1 Palustrine AB3 Palustrine AB2 Palustrine AB1 COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS - The Ash Meadows speckled dace occurs in spring systems and aquatic habitats formed by the spring waters. This dace is known to occur in headwater spring pools, spring outflow creeks (including areas of the creek up to 2 km or more from their spring sources), and marshes formed by spring flows (05,11,14). The species also occurs in irrigation ditches and canals that utilize the spring flows for irrigation. Data is lacking for most specific habitat parameters, including such basic elements as water temperature, current, etc. However, observations indicate (21) that the dace is rather general in habitat requirements. For example, areas of rather fast stream current may be preferred, but quiet spring pools are also utilized. Ash Meadows is a large oasis in southwestern Nevada. Its nearly 50 seeps and springs discharge about 17,000 acre-feet of water annually (15,19). This water formerly flowed into an extensive marsh which was drained in the mid 1960's. Thunderstorms occasionally caused floodwaters to discharge from Ash Meadows into the Amargosa River which terminates in the floor of Death Valley. Ash Meadows is home to some 30 species of endemic plants, insects, snails, other invertebrates and fish. Human development in the area consists primarily of small scattered residences with which subsistence gardens, small orchards or agricultural fields may be associated. During the early 1970's a large farm began operating in Ash Meadows. Development of the farm involved extensive removal of natural vegetation, land leveling, construction of irrigation wells, ditches and fences and other activities necessary for commercial farming (18,20). Primary crops grown included alfalfa, cotton and sorghum. Cattle were grazed on developed and irrigated pasture. A U.S. Supreme Court decision limited groundwater pumping by the large farm in 1976 (16). The land was sold to a developer who continued farming on a smaller scale while preparing the land for subdivision development. The 12,663 acre subdivision, after extensive efforts by conservationists, was purchased by The Nature Conservancy in 1984 and then resold to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The USFWS is to restoring the area for use as a Wildlife Refuge (17). Currently there is no agriculture occurring within Ash Meadows NWR. However, some of the spring outflows which were altered into ditches in the past remain as such today. Natural vegetation on the nearly level terrain near the springs is dominated by groves of ash trees (Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea) and screwbean (Prosopis pubescens) in association with a large scrub (Baccharis emoryi). Sand dunes in the area are donimated by mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var torreyana). Shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) and Haplopappus (Haplopappus acradenius) dominate areas away from direct influence of the spring waters. Large areas of seasonally wet, salt-encrusted soils are covered with saltgrass (Distichlis spicata). Greasewood (Larrea sp.) dominates the better drained soils on the surrounding slopes. The Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes) and the Ash Meadows speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis) formerly occupied a number of springs and outflow streams, Habitat Associations - 2 and the large marsh at lowest elevations in Ash Meadows. The Warm Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis) lives in a few springs at slightly higher elevation. Some grazing has occurred in the area, but BLM has removed many feral horses from the area. Habitat Associations - 3
                                (DRAFT) - Food Habits
                         Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS251004
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL - OMNIVORE LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART General Detritus General Diatoms General Carrion General Algae General Zooplankton General Arthropods General Crustaceans General Molluscs Food Habits - 1
                         (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
                         Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS251004
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

G = General A = Adult LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae L = Larvae E = Egg RL = Resting Larvae FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS G G G Aquatic Features: Pool areas G Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing] G Environment Associations - 1
                               (DRAFT) - Life History
                         Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS251004
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



LIFE HISTORY

FOOD HABITS: No food habit studies have been performed for the Ash Meadows speckled dace. However, food habits of the Ash Meadows form probably differ little from those of other dace from spring habitats. Speckled dace are typically omnivores (09). They often feed on bottom materials, including aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans, attached diatoms, snails, and algae (09). Some mid-water foods or even an occasional surface insect will be taken (09,13). Terrestrial insects that fall in the water also may be consumed. HOME RANGE/TERRITORY: No territorial behavior has been observed or is recorded in the literature. No information on home range is available. PERIODICITY: Activity cycles are largely unknown. Like many fishes, however, activity may increase with temperature (up to a point) (09). Most speckled dace spawn in the spring season (09) and thus could be expected to exhibit more activity during this season. MIGRATION PATTERNS: The Ash Meadows speckled dace is non-migratory. No literature indicates migratory behavior for speckled dace. COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS: No information is available concerning the specific habitat requirements for the Ash Meadows speckled dace. REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS: No reproductive studies have been completed for the Ash Meadows speckled dace. However, speckled dace typically spawn on the gravel edge or riffles in stream habitats (09). REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Speckled dace typically become mature in their second summer (09). The spawning season is often during the spring season, but some spawning may occur all year (09), especially in rather stenothermal spring habitats. No pair bonds are formed. Rather, when a female enters a spawning area during the breeding season, several males may swim out to spawn with her (09). Eggs hatch in approximately six days (at water temperatures of 18-19 degrees C) (09). PARENTAL CARE: No parental care is known. POPULATION BIOLOGY: The remaining populations of Ash Meadows speckled dace are found in Jack Rabbit, Bradford and Big Springs and their outflows (14). However, even here, populations are so low that estimates are not reliable (14). Primary limiting factors appear to be competition and/or predation by the hordes of exotic fishes that occupy the same Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS251004 Date 14 MAR 96 habitat (14). SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS: Because of predation and/or competition pressures, reductions in the population of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna) would very likely result in increased populations of dace (14). The Ash Meadows speckled dace also occupied many of the same habitats as the endangered Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes) and the now extinct Ash Meadows poolfish (Empetrichthys merriami) (08). OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS: None. Life History - 2
                           (DRAFT) - Management Practices
                         Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS
                                Species Id ESIS251004
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow Beneficial Developing/maintaining/protecting wetlands Beneficial Controlling water levels Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas Beneficial Land Acquisition Beneficial Water Right Acquisition Beneficial Reforestation Beneficial Controlling/Removing Nonnative Vegetation Beneficial Controlling/Removing Invertebrates Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates Adverse Disease Existing Disease Adverse Parasites Existing Parasites Adverse Predation Existing Predation Adverse Rural Residential/Industrial Areas Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas Adverse Draining wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes Existing Draining wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes Adverse Strip mining Existing Strip mining Adverse Water Level Fluctuation Existing Water Level Fluctuation Adverse Groundwater drawdown Existing Groundwater drawdown Adverse Irrigating Existing Irrigating Adverse Reservoirs Existing Reservoirs Adverse Dredging Existing Dredging Adverse Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation Existing Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation Adverse Competition Existing Competition Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species Adverse Existing Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes Existing Vegetation Composition Changes COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - The primary threats to the Ash Meadows speckled dace consist of habitat destruction and the inimical effects of exotic fish Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS251004 Date 14 MAR 96 introductions. Physical alteration of habitats has consisted of 1) pumping of spring water for agricultural uses (which caused water level fluctuations serious enough to completely drain at least one habitat (Jack Rabbit Spring) and cause a local extirpation), 2) channelization of spring outflows, 3) clearing of riparian vegetation, 4) cementing channels, and 5) draining marshes and creeks See references (01,05,10,11,12,14). The introduction and establishment of a variety of exotic fishes (some stocked into a downstream reservoir with backwaters reaching the dace's habitat) has also threatened the speckled dace (01,02,03,05,11, 12,14). The exact mechanisms by which exotic species affect the speckled dace are uncertain, but some species (e.g., largemouth bass, arawana) undoubtedly prey on the dace, while others (e.g., sailfin mollies, mosquitofish) probably compete with the dace. The introduction of exotic parasites and/or diseases is also a problem when exotic fishes are introduced (01). Trampling by people, horses, and free-roaming burrows caused gradual degradation of the spring and outlet stream banks. These processes denuded the edge of the spring pool and destroyed the structure of the outlet stream. Tamarisk, an introduced species not native to the spring system, may have adversely impacted the habitat, especially the outlet streams (22). At the time of listing, existing State regulations were not adequate to counter the various threats to this species (23). Because of the recent acquisition of many spring areas by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the major threats in the future will most likely consist of additional exotic species introductions rather than physical habitat alteration. Because of the changes in land ownership, a major residential and commercial development planned for Ash Meadows will not be built and is no longer a threat (11,12). UNAPPROVED PLAN: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Recovery Plan for the Endangered and Threatened Species of Ash Meadows, Nevada, Draft. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. 169 pp. The Ash Meadows speckled dace is included in the "Recovery Plan for the Endangered and Threatened Species of Ash Meadows, Nevada". The primary objective of the plan is to reclassify the endangered/threatened populations to non-listed status, and will be accomplished by restoring and protecting habitat which can support viable, self-sustaining populations. The size and extent of populations needs to be determined for most species, and the habitats of all species, except the spring-loving centaury, occur within the Ash Meadows essential habitat. Except for the Devils Hole pupfish and Warm Springs pupfish, reclassification may be considered when threats have been removed and when habitats/populations have been restored for a period of ten years and to specified levels (as determined through research). The general criteria for reclassifying/delisting the Ash Meadows Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS251004 Date 14 MAR 96 speckled dace is summarized as follows: 1. Protect the Ash Meadows aquifer to maintain the current (January 1986) spring discharge (requires maintaining or controlling the water table). 2. Maintain each population within all of its historic habitat at a minimum size to be determined by research. 3. Secure and withdraw habitats and incorporate them into Ash Meadows NWR (including land and water right acquisition). Adverse development such as road construction must be prohibited. Restrictions on the use of off-road vehicles and some camping sites may be necessary, along with prohibitions on swimming, fishing and hiking in some areas. 4. Eliminate introduced species (including species of crayfish, bullfrog, snails, fish, wild horses, and plants). 5. Reconstruct habitat, plant communities and aquatic communities, and reestablish populations throughout its native range. 6. Enforce all State and Federal laws and regulations. 7. Implement a public information and education program. Management Practices - 3
                                   (DRAFT) - References
                           Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS
                                  Species Id ESIS251004
                                      Date 14 MAR 96



     

References

***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE ***** 01 Deacon, J.E. 1979. Endangered and threatened fishes of the West. Great Basin Nat. Mem. 3:41-64. 02 Deacon, J.E. and J.E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the fishes of Nevada. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 97:103-118. 03 Deacon, J.E., C. Hubbs, and B.J. Zahuranec. 1964. Some effects of introduced fishes on the native fish fauna of southern Nevada. Copeia 1964:384-388. 04 Gilbert, C.H. 1893. Report on the fishes of the Death Valley expedition collected in southern California and Nevada in 1891, with descriptions of new species. N. Am. Fauna 7:229-234. 05 Hardy, T. 1980. The Inter-basin area report - 1979. Proc. Desert Fishes Council 11:5-21. 06 Hubbs, C.L., R.R. Miller, and L.C. Hubbs. 1974. Hydrographic history and relict fishes of the north-central Great Basin. Mem. Calif. Acad. Sci. 7:1-259. 07 La Rivers, I. 1962. Fishes and fisheries of Nevada. Nev. State Fish and Game Comm. 782 pp. 08 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. 09 Moyle, P.B. 1976. Inland fishes of California. Univ. Calif. Press, Berkeley. 405 pp. 10 Sanchez, P.G. 1981. Ash Meadows scenario. Cal-Neva Wild. Trans. 1981:144-147. 11 Soltz, D.L. and R.J. Naiman. 1978. The natural history of the native fishes in the Death Valley system. Nat. Hist. Mus. Los Angeles Co. 30:1-76. 12 Williams, C.D. 1984. The decline of Ash Meadows, a unique desert ecosystem. Proc. Calif. Ripar. Syst. Conf. 1984:716-719. 13 Williams, C.D. and J.E. Williams. 1982. Summer food habits of fishes from two springs in east-central Nevada. Southwest. Nat. 27:437-445. 14 Williams, J.E. and D.W. Sada. 1985. Status of two endangered fishes, Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes and Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis, from two springs in Ash Meadows, Nevada. Southwest. Nat. 30(4):475-484. 15 Bateman, R.L., A.L. Mindling, and R.L. Naff. 1974. Development and management of ground water in relation to preservation of desert pupfish in Ash Meadows, southern Nevada. Tech. Rept. Ser. H-W, Center for Water Resour. Res. Publ. 17, Univ. Nevada, Reno. 16 Baugh T.M. and J.E. Deacon. 1983. Maintaining the Devil's Hole pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis Wales, in aquaria. J. Aquariculture Aquat. Sci. 3(4):73-75. 17 Beatley, J.C. 1978. Ash Meadows: Nevada's unique oasis in the Mojave Desert. Mentzelia 3:20--24. 18 Dudley, W.W., Jr. and J.D Larson. 1976. Effect of irrigation pumping on desert pupfish habitats in Ash Meadows, Nye Co., Nevada. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Pap. 927:1-52. 19 Walker, G.E. and T.E. Eakin. 1963. Geology and ground water at References - 1 (DRAFT) - References Species DACE, SPECKLED, ASH MEADOWS Species Id ESIS251004 Date 14 MAR 96 Amargosa Desert, Nevada-California. Nevada Dept. Conserv. Nat. Res., Water Res. Reconn. Ser. Rept. 14:1-45. 20 Worts, G.F., Jr. 1963. Effect of ground water development on the pool level in Devil's Hole, Death Valley National Monument, Nye Co., Nevada. U.S. Geol. Surv., Water Res. Div., Carson City, NV. 27 pp. 21 Deacon, J.E. 1960-1985. Personal observations. Environmental Consultants, 4452 Live Oak Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89121. 22 Detweiler, K.G. 1980. Intensive inventory and analysis Ash Meadows wildlife habitat area. Report N5-WHA-A1. Stateline-Esmeralda Resource Area, Las Vegas District, Bur. Land Mgmt., NV. April 21, 1980. 56 pp + Appendices. 23 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. September 2, 1983. Determination of Endangered status and Critical Habitat for two fish species, Ash Meadows, Nevada. Fed. Reg. 48(172):40178-40186. ***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY ***** 01 Deacon, J.E. and J.E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the fishes of Nevada. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 97:103-118. 02 Gilbert, C.H. 1893. Report on the fishes of the Death Valley expedition collected in southern California and Nevada in 1891, with descriptions of new species. N. Am. Fauna 7:229-234. 03 Hardy, T. 1980. The Inter-basin area report - 1979. Proc. Desert Fishes Council 11:5-21. 04 La Rivers, I. 1962. Fishes and fisheries of Nevada. Nev. State Fish and Game Comm. 782 pp. 05 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. 06 Soltz, D.L. and R.J. Naiman. 1978. The natural history of the native fishes in the Death Valley system. Nat. Hist. Mus. Los Angeles Co. 30:1-76. 07 Williams, J.E. and D.W. Sada. 1985. Status of two endangered fishes, Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes and Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis, from two springs in Ash Meadows, Nevada. Southwest. Nat. 30(4):475-484. References - 2