(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
OTHER COMMON NAMES - SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER;KILLIFISH, WHITE RIVER; MINNOW and BAILEY
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - ATHERINIFORMES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - GOODEIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - CRENICHTHYS,
SPECIES AND SSP - BAILEYI, BAILEYI
SCIENTIFIC NAME - CRENICHTHYS BAILEYI BAILEYI
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
White River Springfish
Crenichthys baileyi baileyi (Gilbert, 1893)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes
ORDER: Atheriniformes FAMILY: Goodeidae
The species Crenichthys baileyi can be described as a small (2.5
inch maximum length), deep-bodied fish, olivaceous dorsally and silver
to white ventrally, with double rows of spots on the sides which may
be connected (17). Breeding males exhibit more intense coloration
than females, with mid-dorsal markings becoming very dark (almost
black) contrasting with light, sometimes yellow, sides above the fused
spots (16). Lack of ventral fins and bicuspid teeth distinguish this
genus from other members of the cyprinodontidae (11).
LaRivers (17) summarizes the taxonomic history of C. baileyi
which was originally described by Gilbert (09) as Cyprinodon
macularius baileyi. Following the description of the new genus
Crenichthys by Hubbs (11), Cyprinodon macularius baileyi was renamed
Crenichthys baileyi by Sumner and Sargent (19).
Further taxonomic refinement was made recently by Williams and
Wilde (23) who described 5 new subspecies (C.b. thermophilus, C.b.
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
albivalis, C.b. grandis, C.b. moapae, and C.b. baileyi) based on
significant morphological differences among populations from isolated
spring habitats along the pluvial White River, Nevada. Specific
morphometric and meristic characteristics which distinguish C.b.
baileyi from other C. baileyi subspecies include a longer head and
greater bony interorbital width than C.b. albivalis, longer anal to
caudal length than C.b. thermophilus, and fewer fin rays than C.b.
grandis and C.b. moapae (23). Deacon and Williams (08) recently
placed the genera Crenichthys and Empetrichthys in the family
Goodeidae, following Parenti (24).
Type specimens listed by Williams and Wilde (23) include two
original specimens (one male and one female) collected by Gilbert (09)
which are housed at the California Academy of Sciences (SU 709); one
male and one female topotype (UMMZ 203332) and 29 additional specimens
(ASU 5196) collected by J.E. Deacon on 10 July, 1967, which are
housed at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology and Arizona
State University, respectively.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The White River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi baileyi) has been
designated as Endangered 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 Lincoln
County, Nevada at Ash Springs and associated outflows plus
surrounding land areas for a distance of 50 feet from the springs and
outflows within portions of T6S, R60E, Sec. 1 and T6S, R61E, Sec. 6
(50 CFR 17.95(e)).
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 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.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Nevada
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Nevada Department of Wildlife
STATE STATUTE: Protected by 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 springfish is listed as vulnerable in the IUCN
Red list of Threatened Animals (1986).
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
None.
82/12/30:47 FR 58454/58460 - Notice of review
83/06/14:48 FR 27273/27274 - Notice of review
84/05/07:49 FR 19360/19363 - Proposed rule - Endangered w/ Crit. Hab.
85/09/27:50 FR 39123/39128 - Final rule - Endangered w/ Crit. Hab.
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Cropland and Pasture
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Deciduous Forest Land
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 -
The headwater pool of Ash Spring (and possibly portions of its
effluent stream) represents the sole habitat of the White River
springfish (08,23). Ash Spring is a thermal system within the
Pahranagat Valley of eastern Nevada, located in the northern Mohave
Desert. The plant community of this desert region is dominated by the
Larrea tridentata - Ambrosia dumosa association (01). However,
extensive areas of pastureland directly adjacent to the outflow stream
have been planted with saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) to support
cattle grazing (14). A well developed riparian canopy exists at the
upper end of the outflow stream, and around portions of the spring
pool margin, consisting predominantly of ash (Fraxinus velutina), with
some large cottonwoods (Populus fremontii), willows (Salix sp.), and
wild grape (Vitus californica) (14). In addition, yerba mansa
(Anemopsis californica), Nitrophila occidentalis, and spike-rush
(Eleocharis parishi) are common near the water margin (05). Mats of
filamentous algae become abundant in the spring pool during the spring
and summer, and macrophytic growth (including Rorippa nasturtium-
aquaticum, Potamogeton sp., Najas marina, and Charea zeylanica) is
also present, and provides an important source of cover for the
springfish (05,14,15). The predominant substrate within the spring
pool and outflow stream is sand and silt with some areas of gravel
(15). Alteration of the existing aquatic and riparian habitats of the
Ash Spring system, bringing about reductions in the amount of cover
and available food, would adversely affect the existing springfish
population (22).
Observations of closely related subspecies indicate courting and
breeding behavior occur in and around dense aquatic vegetation and
eggs are probably attached to the vegetation (16).
Although specific environmental parameters required by the White
River springfish have not been described, temperature, pH, and
dissolved oxygen concentrations within Ash Spring have been variously
reported. Reported temperature values range from 33.2 to 35.9 degrees
Celsius in the spring pool (07,13,22,23) and 31.0 to 34.0 degrees
Celsius in the outflow (14,23). Dissolved oxygen concentrations range
Habitat Associations - 1 from 2.1 to 5.4 ppm (07,14,22,23), and pH was reported to be 7.2 to
7.3 (13). Information on seasonal variation among environmental
parameters is lacking, as is information describing variation in
habitat utilization by different life stages of springfish.
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Detritus
General Diatoms
General Vascular Plants-Emergent Nonwoody
General Zooplankton
General Crustaceans
General Molluscs
General Algae
General Arthropods
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
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: Springs [flowing]
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
Specific food habits of Crenichthys baileyi baileyi (White River
springfish) have not been described, but food habits of closely
related subspecies have and may be quite similar. Both C.b. albivalis
and C.b. moapae have been shown to be omnivorous (18,21).
C.b. albivalis was described as an opportunistic feeder consuming
52.2 percent plant material, 32.2 percent detritus and 15.3 percent
animal matter (21). Of the plant material consumed, filamentous algae
was greatest in both volume and frequency of occurrence, followed by
vascular plant material and diatoms (21). Chironomidae larvae and
trichoptera comprised the largest component of animal matter consumed
(21). Gut content analysis indicated that the diet of C.b. moapae was
comprised of 49.8 percent detritus, 37.8 percent plant material and
12.4 percent animal matter (18). Filamentous algae was by far the
most abundant and frequent plant material ingested (95.1 percent),
while gastropoda, amphipoda, trichoptera and lepidoptera were the most
common animals consumed (18). Mean digestive tract length to standard
length ratio for C.b. albivalis was reported to be 1.43, and the
digestive tract length to total length ratio for C.b. moapae was 1.21,
further substantiation an omnivorous lifestyle for members of the
genus Crenichthys (18,21).
Seasonal variation in food availability of diet of C.b. baileyi
has not been examined. Nor is there any information available on
dietary requirements of different life stages. Assuming however, that
known food habits of closely related subspecies are similar, the
availability of filamentous algae and a diverse aquatic invertebrate
fauna would be important to the continued existence of this endangered
springfish population.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
There have been no reports describing territoriality in the White
River springfish. However, Constance (02) generalizes that large,
brightly-colored, dominant males of spring inhabiting species
aggressively defend territories in order to monopolize reproductive
females in the population.
PERIODICITY:
The White River springfish appears to exhibit a pronounced daily
activity cycle, with a peak in activity occurring in mid-afternoon and
reduced activity levels at night (07). Other C. baileyi subspecies
exhibit a pronounced bimodal activity pattern during daylight. Deacon
and Wilson (07) hypothesize that stress caused by interaction with
exotic fish species may be responsible for the observed reduction in
activity levels in C.b. baileyi compared to other C. baileyi ssp.
Seasonal activity patterns have not been described for this species.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The White River springfish is non-migratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Specific cover requirements of the White River springfish have
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
not been characterized. Since it occurs in a spring pool habitat
however, it is likely that floating algal mats, and emergent aquatic
vegetation common to these type of habitats (01) provide the most
important cover.
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Specific breeding site requirements have not been assessed for
the White River springfish. However, Kopec (16) described breeding
habitats of a closely related subspecies (C.b. moapae) which may be
similar. He observed breeding to occur within area of thick
vegetation. The vegetation also provided a substrate for attachment
of the fertilized eggs.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Reproductive biology and life history characteristics of
C.b. baileyi have not been described. Generalized life history
patterns for fish inhabiting thermal desert springs have however, and
include a year-round breeding season, short time to first breeding,
low fecundity, and large investment per offspring (02). Details of
the breeding behavior of C.b. moapae, which are likely similar to C.b.
baileyi, were described by Kopec (16) as follows: 1) reproductive
males are more brightly colored than females, 2) courting behavior and
breeding occur in and around dense vegetation, 3) the male and female
go into an S-shaped clasp and vibrate very fast while lying on their
sides. During this phase the males anal fin is folded under the
females ovipositor to enhance sperm transfer, 4) one egg is layed and
fertilized at a time, 5) 10 to 17 eggs represent one spawning, and
6) incubation period is approximately 5 to 7 days.
PARENTAL CARE:
The White River springfish is not known to provide parental care
to its offspring.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Details of the population biology of this species have not been
examined.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The most significant species interrelationships occur between the
White River springfish 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 (06). Exotic species now well
established in the Ash Spring system include carp (Cyprinus carpio),
convict cichlid (Cichlosoma nigrofaciatum), sailfin molly (Poecilia
latipinna), shortfin molly (P. mexicana), and mosquitofish (Gambusia
affinis). These fishes reduce viability of the springfish population
through competition, predation, and introduction of parasites (most
notably the copepod Lernea) (04,06,10,22,23).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Developing/maintaining stream structures
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Feral Animals
Adverse Food Supply Reduction
Existing Food Supply Reduction
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Parasites
Existing Parasites
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Irrigating
Existing Irrigating
Adverse Dredging
Existing Dredging
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The White River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi baileyi) is
presently listed as an endangered species because of its reduced, and
extremely restricted distribution, and small population size (20).
The principle factor responsible for reductions in this springfish
population is competition and predation by exotic fishes including
carp (Cyprinus carpio), convict cichlid (Cichlosoma nigrofasciatum),
sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna), shortfin molly (P. mexicana), and
mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) (03,12,14,22,23). In addition,
co-introduction of the parasite copepod Lernea may be responsible for
reducing viability in the White River springfish (04,23). Habitat
alteration, in the form of channelization of the spring outflow and
water diversion to enhance local agriculture, has also been a major
factor in the reduction of available springfish habitat (14,22,23).
Any further degradation of the Ash Spring habitat, caused by
channelization or reductions in water quality, would have a
potentially severe impact on the White River springfish. This would
include alteration of the riparian habitat adjacent to the spring and
its outflow, which provides cover and a source of insects which may be
an important food for the springfish. Further introductions, or
increases in existing populations, of exotic fish would also pose a
serious threat to the future existence of this endangered fish.
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
At the present time there is no recovery plan or draft for the White
River springfish.
The management actions which were recommended for the recovery of
the White River springfish were given by the field biologist in
Sacramento. The following items are recommendations for recovery:
1) controlling and removing feral and exotic animals,
2) controlling and restricting agricultural practices,
3) restrict construction and development in the area,
4) stream bank/stream channel modification, and
5) limiting human access
No management actions for recovery are being implemented until a
recovery plan has been formulated.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Bradley, W.G. and J.E. Deacon. 1967. The biotic communities of
southern Nevada. NV State Mus. Anthro. Papers 13(4):201-295.
02 Constance, G.D. 1981. Life history patterns of desert fishes.
Fishes of N. Am. Deserts. John Wiley and Sons Pub. Co., N.Y.
237-290 pp.
03 Courtney, W.R., et al. 1985. Comparative status of fishes along
the course of the pluvial White River, Nevada. Southwest. Nat.
30(4):503-524.
04 Deacon, J.E. 1979. Endangered and threatened fishes of the west.
Great Basin Nat. Mem. 3:41-64.
05 Deacon, J.E., T.B. Hardy, et al. 1980. Environmental analysis of
four aquatic habitats in east central Nevada, June-September.
Report to HDR Science. 123 pp.
06 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.
07 Deacon, J.E. and B.L. Wilson. 1967. Daily activity cycles of
Crenichthys baileyi, a fish endemic to Nevada. Southwestern Nat.
12(1):31-44.
08 Deacon, J.E. and J.E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the
fishes of Nevada. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 97:103-118.
09 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.
10 Hardy, T. 1980. Interbasin Area Report - 1979. Proc. of the
Desert Fishes Council. Vol. XI 16 p.
11 Hubbs, C.L. 1932. Studies of the fishes of the order
Cyprinodontes. XII a new genus related to Empetrichthys. Univ. of
Mich. Mus. of Zool. Occassional Papers 252:1-5.
12 Hubbs, C. and J.E. Deacon. 1964. Additional introductions of
tropical fishes in soutern Nevada. Southwestern Nat. 9:249-251.
13 Hubbs, C. and W.F. Hettler. 1964. Observations on the toleration
of high temperature and low dissolved oxygen in natural waters by
Crenichthys baileyi. Southwestern Nat. 9:245-248.
14 Kanim, N.R. 1986. Organic energy budget of a thermal stream
ecosystem: the Pahranagat River, Nevada. MS Thesis. Univ. of NV,
Las Vegas.
15 Kanim, N.R. 1986. Pers. comm. Davis, CA 95616.
16 Kopec, J.A. 1949. Ecology, breeding habitats and young stages of
Crenichthys baileyi, a cyprinodont fish of Nevada. Copeia
1949:56-61.
17 LaRivers, I. 1962. Fish and fisheries of Nevada. NV State Fish
and Game Comm., Carson City. 512-516 pp.
18 Scoppettone, G.G., M.S. Parker, et al. 1984. Unpub. data. U.S.
Fish and Wildl. Serv., Reno, NV.
19 Sumner, F.B. and M.C. Sargent. 1940. Some observations on the
physiology of warm spring fishes. Ecology 21:45-54.
20 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Endangered and threatened
wildlife and plants: determination of Endangered status for the
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER
Species Id ESIS251020
Date 14 MAR 96
White River springfish. Fed. Reg. 50:37194-37197.
21 Williams, C.D. and J.E. Williams. 1981. Summer food habits of
fishes from two springs in east central Nevada. Southwestern Nat.
27(4):437-445.
22 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 Academy of Sci. 20(1):1-61.
23 Williams, J.E. and G.R. Wilde. 1981. Taxonomic status and
morphology of isolated populations of the White River springfish,
Crenichthys baileyi (Cyprinodontidae). Southwestern Nat.
25(4):485-503.
24 Parenti, L.R. 1981. A phylogenetic and biogeographic analysis of
Cyprinodontiform fishes (Teleostie, Atherinomorpha). Bull. of the
Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. 168:335-557.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Courtney, W.R. Jr., et al. 1985. Comparative status of fishes
along the course of the pluvial White River, Nevada. Southwestern
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 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. North Am. Fauna 7:229-234.
05 LaRivers, I. 1962. Fish and fisheries of Nevada. Nevada State
Fish and Game Comm., Carson City.
06 Williams, J.E., D.B. Bowman, et al. 1985. Endangered aquatic
ecosystems in North American deserts with a list of vanishing
fishes of the region. J. of the Arizona-Nevada Acad. of Sci.
20(1):1-61.
07 Williams, J.E. and G.R. Wilde. 1981. Taxonomic status and
morphology of isolated populations of the White River springfish,
Crenichthys baileyi (Cyprinodontidae). Southwestern Nat.
25(4):485-503.
References - 2