(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
OTHER COMMON NAMES - SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO; 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, GRANDIS
SCIENTIFIC NAME - CRENICHTHYS BAILEYI GRANDIS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Hiko White River Springfish
Crenichthys baileyi grandis (Williams and Wilde, 1981)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes
ORDER: Atheriniformes FAMILY: Goodeidae
Crenichthys baileyi ssp. is a small (2.5 inches maximum length),
deep-bodied fish, olivaceous dorso-laterally and silver ventrally,
with double rows of spots on the sides which may be connected (14).
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 (13). Lack of
ventral fins and bicuspid teeth distinguish this genus from other
members of the Cyprinodontidae (10).
LaRivers (14) summarizes the taxonomic history of C. baileyi
which was originally described as Cyprinodon macularius baileyi (08).
Following description of the new genus Crenichthys (10), Cyprinodon
macularius baileyi was renamed Crenichthys baileyi (16).
Further taxonomic refinement was made recently by Williams and
Wilde (20) who described 5 new subspecies of C. baileyi (C.b.
albivalis, C.b. thermophilus, C.b. baileyi, C.b. moapae, and C.b.
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
grandis) based on significant morphological differences among
populations from isolated springs along the pluvial White River,
Nevada. The Hiko White River springfish can be distinguished from
other C. baileyi subspecies by its larger size (adults average larger
than 40 mm SL) and deeper coloration. C.b. grandis males exhibit much
more yellow, which extends from the ventral surface of the head and
body posteriorly onto the caudal fin, which becomes deep orange (20).
Other, more specific, distinguishing characteristics include a longer
head than C.b. albivalis, and more dorsal and anal fin rays than C.b.
thermophilus and C.b. baileyi (20). Following Parenti (22), Deacon
and Williams (07) recently placed the genera Crenichthys and
Empetrichthys in the family Goodeidae.
Type materials include 1 male holotype (UMMZ 2033336) and
allotype (UMMZ 203337), and 29 paratopotypes (ASU 3942) collected 3-4
June, 1966 by J.E. Deacon from Hiko Spring. There are an additional
44 paratopotypes (UNLV 142) collected 4 June, 1964 by J.E. Deacon, and
40 paratopotypes (UMMZ 124998) collected 28 August, 1938 by C.L.
Hubbs.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Hiko White River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi grandis) 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 in portions of T4S, R60E, Sec. 14 and
T5S, R60E, Sec. 10 and 11 including Hiko and Crystal Springs and
associated outflows, plus surrounding land areas for a distance of
50 feet from the springs and outflows (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, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
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. 501.818, 501.351,
503.584, 503.585, 503.587, 503.588, and 503.589.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The species Crenichthys baileyi (White River springfish is listed
as vulnerable 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
84/05/07:49 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 -
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 Hiko White River springfish occurs in Hiko and Crystal
Springs located in the Pahranagat Valley of southern Nevada, in the
northern Mohave Desert. These two springs are typical of thermal
desert springs of southern Nevada, as described by Bradley and Deacon
(01). These habitats include relatively deep (1-2 meters) source
pools and associated effluent streams. Aquatic vegetation becomes
abundant during the spring and summer, and may provide valuable cover
for springfish (12). Common aquatic vegetation includes filamentous
algae, and the emergent macrophytes Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum,
Potamogeton spp., Najas marina, and Chara zeylanica. Shoreline
vegetation includes members of the Chenopodicaceae, the spike-rush
(Eleocharis parishi), and cattails (Typha augustifolia). Tree species
present around portions of the shoreline of these springs include ash
(Fraxinus velutina), cottonwood (Populus fremontii), and willows
(Salix sp.) (12). Substrates are typically unconsolidated sand and
silt with some areas of gravel.
Spawning in C.b. moapae was described by Kopac (13) and may be
similar in C.b. grandis. He observed spawning to take place in areas
of dense vegetation, with the vegetation acting as a substrate for
attachment of fertilized eggs.
Specific environmental parameters required by the Hiko White
River springfish have not been evaluated. Early investigations dealt
mainly with the ability of C. baileyi ssp. to withstand high
temperatures and low dissolved oxygen concentrations (11,16).
Environmental parameters associated with Hiko and Crystal springs have
been variously reported and include temperatures ranging from 19.5
degrees to 26.5 degrees Celsius (Hiko) and 24.5 degrees to 28.0
degrees Celsius (Crystal) (06,11,20); pH of 7.3 (11); and dissolved
oxygen concentrations ranging from 2.9 ppm to 9.0 ppm (Hiko) and 1.6
ppm to 8.8 ppm (Crystal) (06,11,20).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Detritus
General Diatoms
General Crustaceans
General Molluscs
General Algae
General Arthropods
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
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 SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
Specific food habits of the Hiko White River springfish have not
been described, but food habits of closely related subspecies of
C. baileyi have and may be quite similar. Both C.b. albivalis and
C.b. moapae have been shown to be omnivorous (15,18), which agrees
with Constantz (02) who suggests that simple, short food chains of
desert springs do not allow for diet specialization.
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 (18). Of the plant material consumed, filamentous algae
was greatest in both volume and frequency of occurrence, followed by
vascular plant material and diatoms. Chironomidae larvae and
trichoptera comprised the largest component of the animal matter
consumed.
The diet of C.b. moapae was comprised of 49.8 percent detritus,
37.8 percent plant material, and 12.4 percent animal matter.
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 ingested
(15).
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 for C.b. moapae was 1.21, further substantiating an
omnivorous lifestyle (15,18).
Seasonal variation in food availability and diet of the Hiko
White River springfish has not been described. Neither have
variations in diet of different life stages. Assuming that what is
known about the food habits of other C. baileyi subspecies is similar
for C.b. grandis, availability of filamentous algae and aquatic
macroinvertebrates would be important for the survival of this fish.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Details of the home range and territorial behavior in the Hiko
White River springfish have not been assessed. However, Constantz
(02) suggests that large, dominant, brightly colored males of spring
inhabiting fishes aggressively defend territories in order to
monopolize reproduction.
PERIODICITY:
Deacon and Wilson (06) describe a bimodal daily activity cycle
for C.b. grandis in Crystal Spring. Peaks in activity were apparently
associated with sunrise and sunset. Since the time of this study
however, exotic fish have been introduced into Hiko and Crystal
springs which may have caused a reduction in activity levels, as was
hypothesized for C.b. baileyi in Ash Spring (06). No information is
available on seasonal or yearly activity cycles of this fish.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The Hiko White River springfish is non-migratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
Specific cover requirements of the Hiko White River springfish
have been characterized. Since it occurs in a spring pool habitat
however, it is likely that floating algal mats and emergent aquatic
vegetation provide the most important cover.
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Reproduction site requirements of this subspecies have not been
assessed or described. Spawning in C.b. moapae was described by Kopac
(13) and may be similar in C.b. grandis. He observed spawning to take
place in areas of dense vegetation, with the vegetation acting as a
substrate for attachment of fertilized eggs.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
The reproduction biology and life history of the Hiko White River
springfish is unknown. However, Constantz (02) does describe general
life history traits for fish species inhabitting thermal desert
springs which include a year-round breeding season, short time to
first breeding, low fecundity, and large investment per offspring. In
addition, Kopec (13) describes details of the breeding behavior of
C.b. moapae which may be similar to that of C.b. grandis. These
details include: 1) reproductive males are more brightly colored than
females, 2) courting behavior and spawning 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 genital opening to enhance
sperm transfer, 4) a single egg is layed and fertilized at a time,
5) 10 to 17 eggs represent one spawning, and 6) incubation period is
5 to 7 days.
PARENTAL CARE:
This species is not known to provide parental care to its
offspring.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Details of the population biology of this species are unknown at
this time. One factor which has been reported to limit population
growth and cause increased mortality in this species is interaction
with exotic fishes introduced into its habitat.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The most significant species interrelationships affecting the
Hiko White River springfish occur between it and exotic fishes
introduced into its habitat. As is the case in most isolated desert
springs, there is a strong negative relationship between the abundance
of exotic fish species and the abundance of endemics (05,19). Exotic
species introduced into Hiko and Crystal springs include the convict
cichlid (Cichlosoma nigrofasciatum), sailfin molly (Poecilia
latipinna), shortfin molly (P. mexicana), mosquitofish (Gambusia
affinis) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (Hiko only) (03,
09,20). These fishes reduce populations of springfish through
competition, predation, and possibly the introduction of parasites
(04,05).
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Disease Control Measures
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Feral Animals
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 Hiko White River springfish is presently listed as an
endangered species due to its extremely restricted range, small
population size, and because it is threatened by habitat alteration
and association with exotic species (17). Physical habitat alteration
which has been detrimental to springfish populations includes
channelization of spring outflows and impoundment and diversion of
water for irrigation (09,19). Exotic fish species which have been
introduced into Hiko and Crystal Springs include the convict cichlid,
sailfin molly, shortfin molly, carp, mosquitofish, and largemouth bass
(07,09,19,20). These exotics have reduced springfish populations
through competition, predation, and the possible co-introduction of
parasites (04).
At the time of its listing, the Hiko White River springfish
existed as a single, small population restricted to Crystal Springs
(07,09,20). Predation by largemouth bass had caused its extirpation
from Hiko Spring in the 1960's. In February, 1985 springfish (Crystal
Springs progeny) were re-introduced into Hiko Spring and are now
apparently well established, while their numbers in Crystal Springs
are quite low (21). In addition, springfish (also Crystal Springs
progeny) were introduced into Blue Link Spring, Mineral Co., Nevada by
personnel from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to establish a
refuge population, which is also well established (21).
Further alteration of existing spring habitats, or introductions
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
of exotic fishes will threaten the continued existence of the Hiko
White River springfish.
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
No initiation date for a recovery plan for the Hiko White River
springfish is established.
The management actions which were recommended for the recovery of
the Hiko 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) using disease control measures,
3) transplanting wild individuals,
4) habitat reconstruction,
5) land easements,
6) controlling and restricting development and construction,
7) limiting human access,
8) controlling and restricting agricultural practices.
In February, 1985, springfish (Crystal Springs progeny) were
re-introduced into Hiko Spring and are now apparently well
established. In addition, springfish (also Crystal Springs progeny)
were introduced into Blue Link Spring, Mineral County, Nevada by
personnel for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to establish a
refuge population, which is also well established.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Bradley, W.G. and J.E. Deacon. 1967. The biotic communitites of
southern Nevada. NV St. Mus. Anthr. Papers 13(4):201-295.
02 Constantz, G.D. 1981. Life history patterns of desert fishes.
Fishes of N. Am. Deserts. John Wiley and Sons, NY. 137-290 pp.
03 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.
04 Deacon, J.E. 1979. Endangered and threatened fishes of the west.
Great Basin Nat. Mem. 3:41-64.
05 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.
06 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.
07 Deacon, J.E. and J.E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the
fishes of Nevada. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 97:103-118.
08 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. Amer. Fauna 7:229-234.
09 Hardy, T. 1980. Interbasin area report-1979. Proc. of the Desert
Fishes Council. Vol. XI. 16 pp.
10 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. Occasional Paper no. 252:1-5.
11 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.
12 Kanim, N.R. 1986. Pers. comm. Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas.
13 Kopec, J.A. 1949. Ecology, breeding habits and young stages of
Crenichthys baileyi, a cyprinodont fish of Nevada. Copeia
1949:56-61.
14 LaRivers, I. 1962. Fish and fisheries of Nevada. NV St. Fish and
Game Commission. Carson City, NV. 512-516 pp.
15 Scoppettone, G.G., et al. 1984. Unpub. data. U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Reno, NV.
16 Sumner, F.B. and M.C. Sargent. 1940. Some observations on the
physiology of warm spring fishes. Ecology 21:45-54.
17 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servie. Endangered and threatened wildlife
and plants; determination of endangered status for the Hiko White
River Springfish. Fed. Reg. 50:37194-37197.
18 Williams, C.D. and J.E. Williams. 1982. Summer food habits of
fishes from two springs in east-central Nevada. Southwestern Nat.
27(4):437-445.
19 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.
20 Williams, J.E. and G.R. Wilde. 1981. Taxonomic status and
morphology of isolated populations of the White River springfish,
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species SPRINGFISH, WHITE RIVER, HIKO
Species Id ESIS251021
Date 14 MAR 96
Crenichthys baileyi (Cyprinodontidae). Southwestern Nat.
25(4):485-503.
21 Withers, D. 1986. Pers. comm. Nevada Dept. of Wildlife.
22 Parenti, L.R. 1981. A phylogenetic and biogeographic analysis of
Cyprinodontiform fishes (Teleostei, Alherinomorpha). Bull. of the
Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. 168:335-557.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Courtney, W.R., J.E. Deacon, 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. 1979. Endangered and threatened fishes of the west.
Great Basin Nat. Mem. 3:41-64.
03 Deacon, J.E. and J.E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the
fishes of Nevada. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 97:103-118.
04 Hubbs, C.L. et al. 1974. Hydrographic history of relict fishes of
the north-central great basin. Mem. of the CA Acad. of Sci.
Vol. VII. 259 pp.
05 LaRivers, I. 1962. Fish and fisheries of Nevada. NV State Fish
and Game Comm., Carson City. 512-516 pp.
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 AZ-NV 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.
08 Parker, M.S. 1986. Pers. knowledge. Davis, CA.
References - 2