(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
OTHER COMMON NAMES - SPINEDACE and WHITE RIVER
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CYPRINIFORMES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CYPRINIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - LEPIDOMEDA,
SPECIES AND SSP - ALBIVALLIS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - LEPIDOMEDA ALBIVALLIS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
White River Spinedace
Lepidomeda albivallis Miller and Hubbs, 1960
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes
ORDER: Cypriniformes FAMILY: Cyprinidae
The White River spinedace (Lepidomeda albivallis) is one of six
cyprinid species belonging to the tribe plagopterini, characterized by
double anterior spines of the dorsal fins, spinose pelvic fins, and
adherence of the pelvic fins to the body along their edges (05,06).
L. albivallis can be distinguished from other Lepidomeda species in
having 5-4 teeth in the inner row, fewer than 90 lateral line scales,
a moderately oblique mouth, dorsal fin of moderate height, and
melanophores extending well below the lateral line(06). Additionally,
L. albivallis is the largest of the four Lepidomeda species, attaining
a total length of up to 5 inches (12.7 cm). It is also the most
brightly colored, being bright to olive green dorsally, brassy over
silver laterally, and silver to white ventrally. The sides of the
head and margins of paired fins may range in color from red to coppery
red (06).
Prior to its original description (06), the White River spinedace
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
had been called Lepidomeda vittata and Lepidomeda sp. (05). Type
materials of this species include 1 holotype (UMMZ 173781) and 428
paratopotypes (UMMZ 132180) collected 10 Sept, 1938 by C.L. Hubbs from
the White River near its confluence with Ellison Creek, 5 miles
northwest of Preston, NV. Additional specimens were collected as
follows: 61 from Preston Big Spring, 2 miles NW of Preston, NV, on 26
Aug, 1938 (UMMZ 124980); 17 from Lund Town Spring, Lund, NV on 15 Sept
1938 (UMMZ 124984); 14 from Nicholas Spring, Preston, NV on 28 Sept,
1941 (UMMZ 138331), and 111 from springs at Hendrix Ranch near
Sunnyside, NV on 27 Aug, 1938 (UMMZ 124990). All specimens are housed
at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The White River spinedace (Lepidomeda albivallis) 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 Nevada. Critical Habitat has been
designated in the following springs and outflows plus surrounding land
areas for a distance of 50 feet from the springs and outflows in White
Pine Co.: Preston Big Spring (T12N, R61E, NE 1/4 Sec. 2) and Lund
Spring in portions of T11N, R62E, Sec. 4 and T12N, R62E, Sec. 33); and
Nye Co. (Flagg Springs in portions of T7N, R62E, Sec. 32 and 33),
Nevada (50 CFR 17.95(e)).
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.
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 SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
STATE: Nevada
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Nevada Department of Wildlife
STATE STATUTE: Nevada Rev. Stat., 501.181, 501.351, 503.584,
503.585, 503.587, 503.588, and 503.589.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The White River spinedace was listed as vulnerable in the IUCN
Red Data Book (1977), but is nowlisted as Endangered in the 1986 IUCN
Red List of Threatened Animals.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
None.
82/12/30:47 FR 58454/58460 - Notice of review
83/06/14:48 FR 27273/27274 - Notice of review
84/05/29:49 FR 22359/22362 - Proposed rule - Endangered w/ Crit. Hab.
85/09/12:50 FR 37194/37198 - Final rule - Endangered w/ Crit. Hab.
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Streams and Canals
Forested Wetland
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, upper perennial SB2
Riverine, upper perennial SB1
Palustrine UB2
Palustrine UB1
Palustrine SS1
Palustrine AB4
Palustrine AB2
Palustrine AB1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
There is very little information detailing specific habitat
requirements or associations for the White River spinedace. This
species occurs in cool springs which represent remnant segments of the
ancient White River of eastern Nevada. These habitats are
characterized by relatively cool temperatures (18-22 degrees C) and
clear water (06). Spinedace occur in both deep water source pools and
shallower effluent streams, and may prefer areas with moderate to
swift flows over gravel substrates (05,06). Miller and Hubbs (06)
reported capturing them in water less than 2 feet deep. Aquatic
vegetation found in springs inhabited by White River spinedace
include pondweed (Potamogeton sp.) and watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-
aquaticum) while rushes (Juncaceae) and cattails (Typha sp) are
abundant near shoreline areas (06).
Specific environmental parameters required by this species have
not been evaluated, nor have seasonal variations in habitat
availability and utilization, or habitat requirements for different
life stages.
Habitat deterioration has been attributed to channelization and
piping of spring outflows, diversion of water from spring sources, and
use of copper sulfate to control aquatic vegetation (01,04,12).
Further alteration of spring habitats in such a manner would thus be
detrimental to existing spinedace populations.
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Detritus
General Algae
General Arthropods
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
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 Aquatic Features: Pool areas
G Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing]
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
Food habits of the White River spinedace have not been analyzed
or described. However, food habits of other Lepidomeda species
(L. mollispinnis mollispinnis and L. vittata) may be similar and have
been reported to consist primarily of aquatic and terrestrial insects,
with some plant material and detritus being consumed (08,09). Plant
material, primarily filamentous algae, becomes a larger component of
the diet when insect abundance is low (09). A diet of insects is
apparently important for reproductive success in L. mollispinnis
mollispinnis (09).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
The range of this species is restricted to the source pool and
short sections of effluent stream at Lund Town Spring and Flag
Springs. Territorial behavior has not been described in this species.
PERIODICITY:
Activity patterns of the White River spinedace are unknown.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Lepidomeda albivallis is not known to be migratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Specific cover requirements have not been assessed for this
species. However, Rinne (09) described the distribution and use of
cover by the Virgin River spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinnis
mollispinnis) which may be similar to that of the White River
spinedace. The Virgin River spinedace apparently prefers shallow
pools with moderate flow, that provide cover in the form of undercut
banks, small boulders, or lodged debris. Deep, heavily shaded pools
were occupied much less often (09).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Reproductive site requirements of the White River spinedace have
not been evaluated. Spawning in the Virgin River spinedace, which may
be similar in the White River spinedace, occurs in shallow tailout
areas of pools over a substrate of fine gravel (09).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Reproductive characteristics and life history of the White River
spinedace have not been described, but may be similar to other
Lepidomeda species. L. mollispinnis mollispinnis spawns from early
spring to summer (09) and L. vittata spawns throughout the summer (07,
08). Sexual maturity is reached after one year (09) and spawning
takes place in age class I, II, and III fish. Age class I and II fish
spawn only once in a year while age class III fish may spawn twice
(09).
PARENTAL CARE:
The White River spinedace is not known to provide parental care
to its offspring.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Details of the population biology of the White River spinedace
are unknown.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The most significant species interrelationships are likely to
occur between the White River spinedace and exotic fish species
introduced into its habitat. As is the case in most isolated desert
springs, there is a strong negative relationship between the abundance
of exotic species and the abundance of native endemics (02,12).
Exotic species known to occur in spring systems where the White River
spinedace also occur, or have occurred in the past, include goldfish
(Carassius auratus), guppies (Poecilia reticulata), and mosquitofish
(Gambusia affinis). These fishes can reduce spinedace populations
through competition, predation, and possibly by the introduction of
disease or parasites (01,02,12).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Feral Animals
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Irrigating
Existing Irrigating
Adverse Dredging
Existing Dredging
Adverse Applying herbicides
Existing Applying herbicides
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The White River spinedace is presently listed as an endangered
species because its distribution has been drastically reduced, and
existing populations have declined due to extensive habitat
alterations and introductions of exotic species (10). White River
spinedace populations have been extirpated from at least 5 spring
habitats where they once occurred, and are presently found in small
numbers at only 2 locations (01,03,12). Channelization and water
diversion from springs and their outflows have caused the greatest
loss of spinedace habitat (01,04,07,12). Introduced species including
guppies, (Poecilia reticulata) and mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis),
compete with and in some instances prey on spinedace and are present
in one of the two locations where the White River spinedace now exists
(01). The use of copper sulfate for control of algae may have been
partly responsible for the elimination of the species from Preston Big
Spring and may threaten the remaining populations (01).
Any further modifications of spring habitats (eg., channelization
water diversion, and reductions of water quality) where the White
River spinedace occurs would bring about further population declines
and possible extinction of this species (04). Additional
introductions, or increases in existing populations, of exotic species
would have similar negative effects (04,10,12).
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
A draft recovery plan has been developed and will be distributed for
review in 1988.
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
The management actions which were recommended for the recovery of
the White River spinedace were given by the field biologist in
Sacramento. At the present time, there is no recovery plan or draft
being prepared. The following items are recommendations for recovery:
1) controlling and removing feral and exotic animals,
2) controlling and restricting agricultural practices,
3) restrict the use of herbicides,
4) restrict construction and development in the area, and
5) maintain outflow areas.
No management actions for recovery are being implemented until a
formal recovery plan has been formulated.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Courtney, W.B. Jr. et al. 1985. Comparative status of fishes
along the course of the pluvial White River, Nevada. Southwest
Nat. 30(4):503-524.
02 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.
03 Deacon, J.E. and J.E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the
fishes of Nevada. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 97:103-118.
04 Hardy, T. 1980. Interbasin Area Report - 1979. Proc. of the
Desert Fishes Council. Vol. XI 16 pp.
05 LaRivers, I. 1962. Fish and fisheries of Nevada. Nevada State
Fish and Game Commission. Carson City, NV.
06 Miller, R.R. and C.L. Hubbs. 1960. The spiny-rayed cyprinid
fishes (plagopterini) of the Colorado River system. Misc. Publ.
Mus. of Zool., Univ. of Mich. No. 115.
07 Minckley, W.L. 1973. Fishes of Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish
Dept. Phoenix, AZ. Pp. 109-113.
08 Minckley, W.L. and L.H. Carufel. 1967. The Little Colorado River
spinedace, Lepidomeda vittata, in Arizona. Southwest Nat.
12(3):291-302.
09 Rinne, W.E. 1971. The life history of Lepidomeda mollispinnis
mollispinnis (the Virgin River spinedace) a unique western cyprinid
MS Thesis. Univ. of NV, Las Vegas. 109 pp.
10 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Endangered and threatened
wildlife and plants: determination of Endangered status for the
White River spinedace. Fed. Reg. 50:37194-37198.
11 Williams, C.D. and J.E. Williams. 1982. Summer food habits of
fishes from two springs in east central Nevada. Southwest Nat.
27(4):437-445.
12 Williams, J.E., et al. 1985. Endangered aquatic ecosystems in
North American deserts with a list of vanishing fishes of the
region. J. of the AZ-NV Acad. of Sci. 20(1):1-61.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Courtney, W.B. Jr. et al. 1985. Comparative status of fishes
along the course of the pluvial White River, Nevada. Southwest
Nat. 30(4):503-524.
02 Deacon, J.E. and J.E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the
fishes of Nevada. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 97:103-118.
03 Hardy, T. 1980. Interbasin Area Report - 1979. Proc. of the
Desert Fishes Council. Vol. XI 16 pp.
04 Hubbs, C.L., R.R. Miller, and L.C. Hubbs. 1974. Hydrographic
history and relict fishes of the north - central great basin. Mem.
of the Cal. Acad. of Sciences. Vol XII. 259 pp.
05 LaRivers, I. 1962. Fish and fisheries of Nevada. Nevada State
Fish and Game Commission, Carson City.
06 Miller, R.R. and C.L. Hubbs. 1960. The spiny-rayed cyprinid
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species SPINEDACE, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251019
Date 14 MAR 96
fishes (plagopterini) of the Colorado River system. Misc. Publ.
Mus. of Zool., Univ. of Mich. No. 115.
References - 2