(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
                               Species PUPFISH, OWENS
                                Species Id ESIS251017
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



TAXONOMY

NAME - PUPFISH, OWENS OTHER COMMON NAMES - PUPFISH, OWENS; PUPFISH, OWENS RIVER; PUPFISH and DESERT ELEMENT CODE - CATEGORY - Fish PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA, CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES, ORDER AND SUBORDER - CYPRINODONTIFORMES, FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CYPRINODONTIDAE, GENUS AND SUBGENUS - CYPRINODON, SPECIES AND SSP - RADIOSUS, SCIENTIFIC NAME - CYPRINODON RADIOSUS AUTHORITY - TAXONOMY REFERENCES - COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY - Owens Pupfish Cyprinodon radiosus Miller, 1948 KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes ORDER: Cyprinodontiformes FAMILY: Cyprinodontidae The Owens pupfish (Cyprinodon radiosus) is a member of the killifish family, Cyprinodontidae, native to the Owens Valley of eastern California. Originally identified as C. macularius (Kennedy 1916), it was not until 1948 that R.R. Miller published the first account clearly identifying C. radiosus as a separate species. The name Cyprinodon means "carp with teeth", while radiosus "refers to high number of rays in the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins" (06). Owens pupfish resemble desert pupfish (C. macularius) but they lack the spinelike projections on the circuli of the scales and have reticulated spaces between the circuli. The scales are large, 26 to 27 in the lateral series. The middle cusps of the teeth are more truncate than spatulate. Dorsal rays are 10 to 12 (usually 11); anal rays, 9 to 12 (usually 10); pectoral rays, 13 to 17 (usually 14 to 15); pelvic rays, 6 to 8 (usually 7); and caudal rays, 16 to 19. The dorsal fin has a thickened first ray and is equidistant between Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy Species PUPFISH, OWENS Species Id ESIS251017 Date 14 MAR 96 the base of the caudal fin and the tip of the snout. Gill rakers are 15 to 20 (usually 16 to 19). The head is more slender and the caudal peduncle is longer than in other Death Valley pupfishes. Males are larger and deeper bodied than females but the differences are not at striking as in other California Cyprinodon. Breeding males are bright blue, with purplish lateral bars. Unlike those of other pupfishes, these bars do not narrow ventrally. Preserved fish lack the black border on the tail which is present in life in many breeding males. Females are similar to other pupfish females (01). Miller and Pister (1971) presented an excellent description of breeding coloration patterns of C. radiosus (04). A Cyprinodon closely resembling the lower Colorado River species C. macularius but with the structural scale pattern of C. nevadensis, C. diabolis, and C. salinus (the other species of the Death Valley System), from which it differs in having a very anterior dorsal fin, a thickened first dorsal ray, a higher average number of dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin rays, no terminal black band on the caudal fin, a much slenderer head, a longer caudal peduncle, and in certain other details of body proportions, coloration, and squamation (06). The very anterior position of the dorsal fin is further expressed by using a pair of fine dividers and projecting forward the distance between the caudal base and the origin of the dorsal fin, noting the point reached by the tip of the dividers. In 63 males (22 to 41 mm long) from different localities, this point falls between the tip of the rostrum to well beyond the lower jaw, usually between the tip of the snout and the tip of the lower jaw. In 70 females (25 to 45 mm long) from the same localities, the point varies from the anterior border of the eye to beyond the tip of the lower jaw, usually falling rather close to the tip of the snout (06). Miller (1948) originally described both the holotype (UMMZ No. 146653) and paratypes of young to adult Cyprinodon radiosus (UMMZ No. 133007) taken with the holotype. Additional collections of young to adult paratypes (UMMZ No. 124843, 131155, and 138317) from the same locality have also been recorded and preserved (06). Taxonomy - 2
                                  (DRAFT) - Status
                               Species PUPFISH, OWENS
                                Species Id ESIS251017
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



STATUS

Coded Status E: Federal Endangered COMMENTS ON STATUS - U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS: The Owens pupfish (Cyprinodon radiosus) 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 species has this status wherever found including the State of California. This species 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 foreign law; 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 PUPFISH, OWENS Species Id ESIS251017 Date 14 MAR 96 STATE: California DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Calif. Dept of Game and Fish STATE STATUTE: Calif. Endangered Species Act; Fiah and Game Code Chapt. 1.5, Art. 1, Sect. 2050. INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS: The Owens pupfish is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals (1986) and in the 1973 and 1977 IUCN Red Book as Endangered. It is also listed in the Annex to the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere. This fish is unofficially listed by the American Fisheries Society as Endangered. ECONOMIC STATUSES: None. 67/03/11:32 FR 4001/ - Pre-Act 1, Listed as Endangered 70/08/25:35 FR 13519/13520 - Pre-Act 6, Listed as Endangered 70/10/13:35 FR 16047/16048 - Pre-Act 7, Listed as Endangered 79/05/21:44 FR 29566/29577 - Notice of status review 85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Notice of 5-year review 87/07/07:52 FR 25522/25525 - Notice of 5-year review completion Status - 2
     

HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - AQUATIC INLAND AQUATIC LAND USE - Cropland and Pasture Herbaceous Rangeland Shrub and Brush Rangeland Streams and Canals COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS - The Owens pupfish, Cyprinodon radiosus Miller (1948), a member of the killifish family Cyprinodontidae, is confined to the Owens River drainage in Owens Valley, California. It is one of the several species of this genus that inhabit springs and creeks of the desert region in easter California and southwestern Nevada. Cyprinodon radiosus (Owens pupfish) prefers clear, warm, somewhat shallow (2 inches to 3 feet) and still or slow moving water. They especially thrive in areas with chara ssp. present. They are highly aggressive fish, especially during mating season. Pupfish appear to aggregate at spring sources when available. The fish also prefer to have some deeper water with shallow water on the periphery to which they move at water temperatures above 65-70 degrees F. Young fish inhabit shallow warm water, while adult fish inhabit both deep and shallow areas (03). Pleistocene C. radiosus inhabited shallow interconnected lakes, marshes, and slow moving streams which fluctuate daily and/or seasonally. Owens pupfish are eurythermal and euthalinen able to withstand wide range of environmental variation (02,03). They are a highly versatile species and can withstand temperatures from 0 degrees Celsius in the winter to 44 degrees Celsius in the summer. They survive in dissolved oxygen concentrations less than 1.0 ppm and salinity three times as great as sea water (03). Miller (1948) described the existing type-locality of C. radiosus within Fish Slough: "At the source and immediate vicinity, the spring area is 8 to 30 feet wide. The water is very clear, up to 3 feet deep, and bubbling springs are dispersed at intervals over a bottom of caked quicksand. No vegetation other than overhanging willows and grass was noted, shore is extensive meadowland. Slight current. Water temperature rather constant throughout the year (varying between) 19.5 to 20.8 degrees Celsius. Very creek-like habitat at 4,225 feet elevation." Agricultural practices are present. Alfalfa is grown and irrigated by groundwater pumping in Hammil and Chalfant Valleys. Any agricultural practice and/or riparian alteration that would deplete a spring/seep, marsh, or pond source of water, would adversely effect pupfish habitat. There is a negative association between water use and Owens pupfish. Unique habitat sites for the Owen pupfish include: enderheic basins, springs/seeps, pools, arid riparian, and beaver dams. The surrounding land around the Owens Valley area which includes the pupfish habitat is composed of desert grasslands, sage brush and desert shrub. Owens pupfish occur in sandy to fine silt bottom head-springs issueing from volcanic rhyolytes (Bishop Tuff) or basal units (limestones-limey sandstones) of the Poleta Formation at the base of Black Mountain, Inyo County (Warm Springs). This species also inhabits shallow alkaline ponds of basic pH 7.5-9.0 filled with chara ssp. Many desert fishes live in hypersaline waters in which Habitat Associations - 1 physiological demands on their bodies are quite different as compared to fishes in fresh water. Freshwater fishes gain water through their body without drinking because the concentration of ions in their body far exceeds that of the surrounding water. In contrast, fishes in salt water are faced with the problem of dehydration because the concentration of ions in the environment far exceeds that in their bodies causing water to be drained out. Fishes in this situation must drink the salty water, regulate the excess ions internally and excrete them via the kidneys or gills. Habitat Associations - 2
                                (DRAFT) - Food Habits
                               Species PUPFISH, OWENS
                                Species Id ESIS251017
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL - OMNIVORE LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART General Crustaceans General Molluscs General Detritus General Diatoms General Arthropods Food Habits - 1
                         (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
                               Species PUPFISH, OWENS
                                Species Id ESIS251017
                                   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 Inland Wetland: vegetated stream banks G G Aquatic Features: Pool areas G Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing] G Terrestrial Features: Depressions Environment Associations - 1
                               (DRAFT) - Life History
                               Species PUPFISH, OWENS
                                Species Id ESIS251017
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



LIFE HISTORY

FOOD HABITS: Cyprinodon radiosus are "ecological generalists," or omnivorous opportunistic feeders that primarily feed on the substrate. They have a selective preference for high protein (animal) food depending on seasonal availability, i.e., aquatic insects, crustaceans, snails, algae, plankton, and insect larvae. In the spring when mosquito larvae is abundant, pupfish will utilize this food source. The amount of algae in diet varies seasonally, being highest in spring and summer when algae production is high. Another source of food is detritus but a major proportion of colonies is probably derived from the microbial coating on detritus particles (03). Pupfish exhibit a behavior known as "plowing" where the fish stirs up food from the bottom with its body and then will selectively sift out food particles (03) and during this process will ingest diatoms. Non-reproducing adults and juveniles feed in loose aggregations, while fry feed in shallow areas to avoid cannibalism by adults (03). Reproductive male pupfish, on establishing territories, feed predominantly in their territories (03). Their small size permits the pupfish to forage in habitats too shallow for most other fish species. These pools usually are the nursery areas for insects and provide an excellent food supply unavailable to other adult sympatric fish species (07). Kennedy (1916) analyzed the stomach contents of 14 pupfish. The primary food item (90 percent) was chironomid fly larvae (07). HOME RANGE/TERRITORY: Cyprinodon radiosus is territorial in most situations. The social system is based on male spawning and feeding territories. During breeding seasons, (temps. exceeding 18 degrees C) males defend territories comprising suitable substrates for spawning. Substrate is generally a loose mixture of mud, sand, and detritus. Territories are stable and defense is primarily aggressive display rather than combat. Feeding territories are defended by pupfish in habitats with minimal current. Non-reproducing adults of both sexes temporarily defend feeding territories. Size of territory depends on availability of habitat. Small populations occurring in springs are limited in space, resulting in highly developed and structured social systems where the degree of competition is maximized. In unpredictable environments, (i.e., marshes), competition is minimal and much of the energy is utilized in reproduction (03). PERIODICITY: Cyprinodon radiosus becomes active in response to temperature changes. Pupfish spend the night in cool shallow water and move into warmer water beginning at dawn to feed. Between mid-morning and late afternoon, the shallow water has been heated to a preferred temperature. If the water becomes too warm, the fish will retreat into deeper, cooler water. As darkness approaches, fish become less active, resting on the bottom as the water cools, where they will spend the night (03). Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History Species PUPFISH, OWENS Species Id ESIS251017 Date 14 MAR 96 Owens pupfish is seasonally active in most locations due to temperature fluctuations. When temperatures decline in fall, the fish become dormant and bury themselves into the substrate, until the following spring. In locations where water temperature remains constant, pupfish can be observed throughout the year at Warm Springs Refuge in Bishop, California (03). MIGRATION PATTERNS: Cyprinodon radiosus is a non-migratory species of pupfish (03). COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS: Owens pupfish prefers water depths from two inches to three feet, with a species of brittle algae (chara), on the bottom. The fish prefer areas with a degree of "privacy" especially during mating season. This privacy is presumably visual isolation from other aggressive territorial males. Rocks and algae and tule growth provide this cover (03). REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS: Owens pupfish requires certain types of substrate for spawning. It shoud consist of clean, still water with the actual spawning area consisting of mud, sand, and detritus. They reproduce in water depths of three inches to three feet. The primary requirement for mating depends on water temperature. For pupfish to become reproductively active, the water temperature must be between 18-35 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the male assumes a blue coloration and begins his aggressive mating behavior (03,04). REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Owens pupfish of several generations can breed throughout the summer with optimum environmental conditions. Male pupfish defend a definite territory depending on the size of the population. A receptive female will swim into a spawning area, where the male will pursue her. She swims and nips at the substrate. The two fish move together for a short distance on the bottome during which 1-2 eggs are released (03,04). The female can spawn 50 to 200 eggs, but rarely spawns more than one or two eggs in succession (07). Female fish leaves the territory immediately after a single spawning act. Lasting pairs are never formed and both sexes spawn frequently with different individuals (03). PARENTAL CARE: There is no parental care with pupfish. The young fish inhabit warm, shallow water (nurseries) to avoid cannibalism by adult fish (03). Pupfish larvae are large enough to feed from the day of hatching on small food items the size of brine shrimp maupulii (07). POPULATION BIOLOGY: Owens pupfish are generalists that can adapt to a variety of environmental/habitat changes. Limiting factors to the species include, water availability, water depth and temperature (previously discussed), introduction of exotic species which either prey on pupfish (largemouth bass, crayfish, frogs) or compete for food and Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History Species PUPFISH, OWENS Species Id ESIS251017 Date 14 MAR 96 space (mosquito fish), and natural disasters. Earthquakes cause new springs to emerge and can change water temperature. Drought causes decline in available water. Growth rates depend on environment. Crowding tends to increase activity, thus reduces food intake and reduces growth rate (03). It normally takes 2-4 months for pupfish to reach maturity. Fish in variable temperatures/conditions do not grow year round. In cold months, they bury themselves into substrate. Survivorship depends on environment. Life span is usually 2-12 months, but this also depends on water temperature, water availability, predation and competition. Sex ratios are approximately equal (02,03,04). SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS: Owens pupfish respond adversely to introduced exotic species of fish and large invertebrates. Large introduced fish such as large mouth bass will prey on pupfish, while small species of fish such as mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) will compete for food and space as well as prey on pupfish eggs and fry. Mosquito fish will harass pupfish in their mating territories. Thus reproduction rates decline. Small molluscs and crustaceans do not seem to cause a problem, but larger crustaceans (i.e., crayfish) will feed on pupfish and their eggs (03). OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS: None. Life History - 3
                           (DRAFT) - Management Practices
                               Species PUPFISH, OWENS
                                Species Id ESIS251017
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE Beneficial Land Acquisition Beneficial Water Right Acquisition Beneficial Transplanting wild animals Beneficial Controlling/Removing Invertebrates Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates Adverse Hybridization Existing Hybridization Adverse Predation Existing Predation Adverse Groundwater drawdown Existing Groundwater drawdown Adverse Irrigating Existing Irrigating Adverse Competition Existing Competition Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species Adverse Existing COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - The native habitat of the Owens pupfish has undergone extensive modification. Water use projects and introductions of exotic species have kept the species on the edge of extinction (07). A reduction in water flow from the feeder springs of Fish Slough in the summer of 1969 posed an immediate threat to continued survival of the pupfish (07). In 1979, in Warm Springs, it was discovered that the Owens pupfish had disappeared and the springs had become overrun by the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Furthermore the existing perimeter fence does not protect the impoundment or water source from vandalism. People have obviously used the pond area for swimming (07). Historically, agricultural development and water export have reduced pupfish habitat. Coupled with the establishment of exotic fishes mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and carp (Cyprinus carpio) (07), some of these introduced species are predacious, while others compete for food and mating resources. Hybridization with other Cyprinidae has been known to occur (03,07). Dewatering of habitat by the city of Los Angeles also added to the pupfish habitat destruction. Alteration of habitat by humans which inlcudes bank disturbance (swimming) and rock removal have occurred. Uncontrolled growth of riparian vegetation, i.e., Tamarisk water demand is extremely high. In natural situations this would not be a problem but with Los Angeles Department of Water and Power pumping, it depletes shallow ground water resources. A lack of education regarding the importance of all fish life, although economic value is not evident, has been a problem. Future threats inlcude: increased groundwater pumping Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species PUPFISH, OWENS Species Id ESIS251017 Date 14 MAR 96 (dewatering by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) as the demands for water in Los Angeles grows and any further introduction of nonnative and exotic species could threaten the pupfishes survival. Sabotage and vandalism by humans could sufficiently destroy suitable habitat and reduce the numbers of fish which could decrease the gene pool (03,04). APPROVED PLAN: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Recovery plan for the Owens Pupfish, Cyprinodon radiosus. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Portland, OR. 47 pp. The primary objective for recovery of the Owens pupfish is to improve the species status and its habitat condition to permit downlisting and delisting. These objectives would be obtained when five refugia (presently two exist) are established with minimum populations of 500 which are free from threats (down listing) and remain free from threats for five years (criterium for delisting). The populations and habitats of the Owens pupfish will be managed at the Owens VAlley Native Fish Sanctuary by eliminating exotic fishes, controlling bullfrogs and crayfish, preventing reintroduction of exotic species, preparing a management plan, controlling submergent and emergent vegetation, and maintaining dams. Similarly, the populations and habitats at the Warm Springs Refugium will be managed by controlling crayfish, exotic fishes, and submergent/emergent vegetation, maintaining dams, modifying pond outflows to prevent clogs, and installing a new fence entrance. Viable, self-sustaining populations will be protected and established in suitable new or restored habitats. A River Spring Lake population will be established by eliminating exotic fishes, controlling exotic species, managing emergent and submergent vegetation, preparing/implementing a management plan, assuring protection of water/property rights, and introducing the Owens pupfish. For other suitable sites water quality, physical habitat, potential biological effects, longevity of water aquifer will be evaluated. Property and water rights will be assured. A management plan will be prepared and implemented. Extant populations, transplants, and habitat conditions will be monitored by determining population size and reproduction and assessing habitat conditions. Ecological studies which have direct applicability to management and recovery will be conducted by determining habitat requirements, interactions with mosquitofish, and suitablity of employing the Owens pupfish for mosquito control. Protection of the Owens pupfish and its habitat will be acheived through enforcement of laws and regulations of State and Federal governments and ordinances of local governments. Existing laws, regulations, and ordinances will be reviewed to determine and recommend modifications. Public support should be gained by providing information on status and recovery objectives. Information should be provided to press, TV, and radio; brochures should be distributed; and articles for popular and scientific consumption should be published. Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species PUPFISH, OWENS Species Id ESIS251017 Date 14 MAR 96 Informational signs should be installed at essential habitat areas. Recovery activities that are currently being undertaken consist of (1) controlling exotic fish and crayfish and fencing/posting activities in Fish Slough area, and (2) expansion of ponds and maintainance of dams at the Warm Springs Refugium. Management Practices - 3
                                   (DRAFT) - References
                                  Species PUPFISH, OWENS
                                  Species Id ESIS251017
                                      Date 14 MAR 96



     

References

***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE ***** 01 Moyle, P.B. 1976. Inland fishes of California. Univ. CA Press, Berkeley. pp. 257-259. 02 Soltz, N. 1981. Fishes in North American Deserts. John Wiley and Sons, NY. pp. 7-71. 03 Soltz, N. 1978. The natural history of native fishes in the Death Valley system. Nat. Hist. Mus. of Los Angeles County. pp. 1-76. 04 Miller, R.R. and E.P. Pister. 1971. Management of the Owens pupfish, Cyprinodon radiosus, in Mono County, California. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 100(3):502-509. 05 Pister, E.P. 1974. Desert fishes and their habitats. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 103:531-540. 06 Miller, R.R. 1948. The cyprinodont fishes of the Death Valley system of eastern California and southwestern Nevada. Mus. Zool. Univ. of Mich. 68:1-55. 07 Courtois, L.A., and W. Tippets. 1979. Status of the Owens pupfish Cyprinodon radiosus (Miller), in California. Dept. of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries, Sacramento, CA. 31 pp. ***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY ***** 01 Miller, R.R. 1948. The cyprinodont fishes of the Death Valley system of eastern California and southwestern Nevada. Mus. Zool. Univ. of Mich. 68:1-55. 02 Miller, R.R., and E.P. Pister. 1971. Management of the Owens pupfish, Cyprinodon radiosus, in Mono County, California. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 100(3):502-509. 03 Pister, E.P. 1974. Desert fishes and their habitats. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 103:531-540. 04 Pister, E.P., and J.H. Kerbavaz. 1984. Fish Slough; a case study in management of a desert riparian area. IN: R.E. Warner and K.M. Hendrix, ed. Calif. Riparian Systems. A Conf. on their Ecol., Conservation and productive management, Univ. of Calif. Press, Berkeley. 05 Pister, E.P. 1985. Desert pupfishes: Reflections on reality, desirability and conscience. Fisheries 10(6):10-15. 06 Pister, E.P. 1976. Letter to Jim Williams. Desert Fishes Council. Bishop, CA. 3 pp. 07 Courtois, L.A., and W. Tippets. 1979. Status of the Owens pupfish Cyprinodon radiosus (Miller), in California. Dept. of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries, Sacramento, CA. 31 pp. References - 1