(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
OTHER COMMON NAMES - PUPFISH and COMANCHE SPRINGS
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - ATHERINIFORMES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CYPRINODONTIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - CYPRINODON,
SPECIES AND SSP - ELEGANS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - CYPRINODON ELEGANS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Comanche Springs Pupfish
Cyprinodon elegans Baird and Girard, 1853
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes
ORDER: Atheriniformes FAMILY: Cyprinodontidae
Cyprinodon elegans was originally described by Baird and Girard
from a collection of 32 individuals taken from "Comanche Springs, Rio
Grande del Norte (Rio Bravo)" by John H. Clark during the U.S. and
Mexican Boundary Surveys (01,02). This location is now known as
"Comanche Springs" and is inside the city limits of Fort Stockton,
Pecos County, TX. The type material was placed into the U.S. National
Museum (catalog numbers 686 and 687) (02). The presence of Cyprinodon
elegans in the Balmorhea region was first reported by Miller (03) by
reference to a population inhabiting the "Phantom Lake" area.
The Comanche Springs pupfish, Cyprinodon elegans, is one of the
two most distinctive members of the genus Cyprinodon (the other being
the Federally endangered Devil's Hole pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis)
(04). It possesses a peculiar speckled color pattern in males not
found in any other member of its genus. Also, individuals possess a
comparatively streamlined body shape in contrast to other Cyprinodon
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
species and lack the vertical bars on the sides of their bodies that
are found in most other Cyprinodon (04,05,06). Comanche Springs
pupfish are small fishes. Individuals attain a maximum size of about
50 mm SL (standard length) (04,05,07). Cyprinodon elegans belongs to
the "C. variegatus" species complex of Cyprinodon (08) and is
apparently the most divergent Cyprinodon among the species inhabitaing
the Pecos River drainage (09).
There is significant intraspecific variation within the species.
Cyprinodon elegans from Comanche Springs are distinct from populations
near the Balmorhea area (05); and populations from the Phantom Springs
show local differentiation from populations inhabiting Toyah Creek; as
well as near San Solomon Springs, which appear intermediate in a
number of meristic and morphological characteristics (05).
Specimens of Comanche Springs pupfish are maintained at the
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ 120355, from Comanche
Springs, Pecos County, TX), Tulane University (TU 97078), the
University of Oklahoma Museum of Zoology (OMOZ, various lots from the
Balmorhea area) (05) and the Texas Natural History Collection (TNHC)
at the University of Texas (09,10). Photographs of both sexes of
Cyprinodon elegans, as well as a schematic diagram of the Balmorhea
springs and canal systems appear in Stevenson and Buchanan (11).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Comanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans) 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 Texas.
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
(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:
STATE: Texas
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
STATE STATUTE: 31 Texas Administrative Code Sec. 57.133 (127.30.
003) July 1977
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The Comanche Springs pupfish is listed in the IUCN Red Data Book,
Vol. 4, 1977; and is also listed by the Convention on Nature
Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, 1970.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species has value to naturalists and has a value as a
component of Texas' natural heritage of biotic diversity.
67/03/11:32 FR 04001/ - Listing as Endangered
79/05/21:44 FR 29565/29577 - Five year review
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Five year review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Transportation, communications, and Util
Cropland and Pasture
Herbaceous Rangeland
Streams and Canals
Reservoirs
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, upper perennial SB3
Riverine, upper perennial AB1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Comanche Springs pupfish inhabits the artesian springs and
their outflows in the Balmorhea area of Reeves County, TX. This
system of interconnected springs, seeps, and their outflows have been
markedly altered into an irrigation network of concrete-lined canals
with swiftly flowing water and dredged earth-lined laterals (04,05,06,
13,11). For the most part, the irrigation canals provide little
suitable habitat for the species (04,05,06,13,11,14). Moreover, water
distribution from the Phantom Springs Lake is often so extensive
during the irrigation season (March until October) that little or no
water occurs in the main canal near San Solomon Springs. During other
times of the year (October through February), irrigation needs are
less and the lateral canals are allowed to go dry (04,05,14). Also,
in order to repair or redredge canals, flows to major areas suitable
for Comanche Springs pupfish are diverted causing massive mortalities
of the species (14).
Where Comanche Springs pupfish are found, waters tend to be
rather swiftly flowing, especially in comparison to areas in which
other species of Cyprinodon occur (04,06,15). Comanche Springs
pupfish are rarely found in habitats that are less than 10 cm deep,
scoured or devoid of debris or vegetation such as Chara. Water
emanating from the springs are stenothermal (approximately 22 to 26
degrees C) (07,11,12), however, exposure to ambient temperatures make
the waters in which the species is found somewhat more eurythermal.
Temperature preferences experiments indicate that habitat temperatures
between 20 and 30 degrees C during August and September are optimal
(07). Comanche Springs pupfish have a critical thermal maximum of
approximately 40.5 degrees C (07). There is significant diurnal
variation in the critical thermal maximum (higher in the afternoon
than in the morning) (07). The small refugium within Balmorhea State
Recreation Area has moderate, but stable flow and since it was
constructed in 1974, supports several thousand Comanche Springs
pupfish (04,13).
Surrounding land use includes agricultural crop areas (cotton and
sorghum) and pasture.
The present range of the species mostly includes the system of
irrigation canals interconnecting Phantom Springs located in
easternmost Jeff Davis County, TX; San Solomon Springs, Giffin Springs
and Toyah Creek, a flood-tributary of the Pecos River (Reeves County,
TX) (01,04,05,06,07,08,09). Waters from Phantom Springs have been
impounded to form Phantom Lake and these waters are diverted into
Habitat Associations - 1 canals supporting an agricultural irrigation network during part of
the year (01,05,08). During other parts of the year, waters from the
Phantom Lake canal system are allowed to merge with the flow from San
Solomon Springs. Their combined flow then enters one of two
distributaries, one of which leads into a private irrigation supply
lake known as Lake Balmorhea and the other, after merging with the
flow leading from a canal from Giffen Spring, follows a parallel route
with U.S. Highway 290 through the northern part of the town of
Balmorhea to additional agricultural areas (01,05,08).
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Detritus
General Diatoms
General Algae
General Arthropods
General Crustaceans
General Molluscs
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
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 Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing]
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
The diet and food habits of the Comanche Springs pupfish are not
known, however nearly all Cyprinodon are dietarily catholic and will
consume a great variety of different foods including detritus,
diatoms, algae, insects, various crustaceans and snails (16).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Male Comanche Springs pupfish maintain territories usually
surrounding an algal mat (06). Territories are variable in size but
average approximately 0.15 square meters (06). Territories are
maintained as feeding territories in Cyprinodon and as sites of
spawning and egg deposition (16).
PERIODICITY:
Little is known concerning the periodicity of the Comanche
Springs pupfish. There is diurnal variation in the critical thermal
maxima recorded for this species (higher in the afternoon than in the
morning) (07). Activity levels are greater during warmer periods
than cooler periods, as is typical for most poikilotherms (04).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The Comanche Springs pupfish is nonmigratory (04,14).
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Comanche Springs pupfish apparently require water in the
artificial canals that they inhabit to be 10 cm or greater in depth,
with algae or debris as substrates (04,11). This species is not
found in most swiftly flowing irrigation supply canals, especially
those where significant scouring of the concrete linings have
occurred (04).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Breeding occurs over territories maintained by male Comanche
Springs pupfish (06). These territories are most often over algal
mats and eggs are guarded by the males until hatching as males
aggressively defend their territories against intruders (06).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Cyprinodon elegans breeds in swifter water than all other known
Cyprinodon (06). Males orient and maintain position upstream from
their territories until a female enters the territory and positions
herself near the algal mat substrate (06). Courtship behaviors are
similar to other species of Cyprinodon based upon the direct
observations of Itzkowitz (06), as well as the existence of natural
hybrids between C. elegans and the introduced C. variegatus
(sheepshead minnows) as demonstrated by Stevenson and Buchanan (11).
Eggs are apparently laid singly onto the algal mat substrates of the
male's territory (06). Time for development until hatching,
reproductive intervals and egg production of females are not known
(04).
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
PARENTAL CARE:
Male Comanche Springs pupfish actively guard their territories in
which eggs are developing against all intruders (06). Because of the
relatively swift waters they inhabit, males position themselves at the
upstream head of their territory and drift with the water flow into an
intruder where ritualized displays, chasing or biting will occur
(06).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Comanche Springs pupfish are relatively short-lived fish (most
individuals live approximately 1 year) (04). This aspect coupled with
their reproductive biology causes large fluctuations in population
numbers (04). Estimated adult population densities are approximately
1000 or more in the vicinity of San Solomon Springs and several
thousand in the irrigation canals and the artificial refugium canal,
respectively (04,05). Half of the known habitat of the Comanche
Springs pupfish is dry (Comanche Springs and outflow within Fort
Stockton, Pecos County, TX) and the remaining spring flows near
Balmorhea (Reeves County, TX) are failing (04,12). As Phantom Springs
are at a higher elevation than the other springs in the Balmorhea
area, this spring is failing at a faster rate and is predicted to go
dry within 50 years (04,12,17). A relatively large number of
introduced fishes are found in Comanche Springs pupfish habitats.
These species 1) compete for food and space with the Comanche Springs
pupfish, and 2) threaten the genetic integrity of the Comanche Springs
pupfish through introgressive hybridization (from hybridization with
the introduced sheepshead minnow, C. variegatus) (04,11).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
A number of fishes have been found to co-occur with the Comanche
Springs pupfish. These include: Dorosoma cepedianum (gizzard shad),
Astyanax mexicanus (Mexican tetra), Cyprinus carpio (carp-introduced
species), Notemigonus crysoleucas (golden shiner-introduced species),
Dionda episcopa (roundnose minnow), Hybognathus placitus (plains
minnow), Notropis lutrensis (red shinner), Pimephales promelas
(fathead minnow-introduced species), Pimephales vigilax (bullhead
minnow), Ictalurus melas (black bullhead-introduced species),
I. punctatus (channel catfish), Fundulus grandis (gulf killifish-
introduced species), Fundulus zebrinus (plains killifish), Cyprinodon
variegatus (sheepshead minnow-introduced species), Gambusia affinis
(mosquitofish), G. nobilis (Pecos gambusia-Endangered species),
G. geiseri (largespring gambusia-introduced species), Menidia
beryllina (inland silversides-introduced species), Lepomis cyanellus
(green sunfish), Lepomis humilis (orangespotted sunfish), L. megalotis
(longear sunfish) and Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum (Rio Grande cichlid)
(04,05,11,18).
Since C. elegans appears relatively generalized in ecological
needs, almost any co-occurring species of fish, either indigenous or
introduced, potentially would exert competitive pressure on the
pupfish population. Abundance and distribution data indicate C.
elegans is more successful in the environment of Lake Balmorhea than
C. variegatus. C. elegans has a long history in spring fed
environments, while C. variegatus evolved in highly unstable,
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
eurythermal habitats. Presumably, C. elegans would be more successful
than C. variegatus in stenothermal spring outflows, whereas C.
variegatus would exclude C. elegans form presently occupied, unstable
habitats upstream from Lake Balmorhea (04).
The most abundant species in microhabitats supporting large
numbers of C. elegans are Gambusia geiseri, Dionda episcopa, and G.
nobilis near the heads of Phantom Lake and Giffin Springs. Canals
fed by Giffin and San Solomon Springs support a variety of species in
addition to those just mentioned, including Astyanax mexicanus,
Ictalurus punctatus, G. affinis, Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum, Lepomis
megalotis, and L. cyanellus. Depending on the microhabitat in these
areas, relative abundance of pupfish ranges from absent to most
abundant species present (04).
A variety of fishes have been collected from Toyah Creek; these
include all those mentioned above, excepting G. nobilis, and two
additional species, Notropis lutrensis and Fundulus kansae (introduced
species). The pupfish is generally uncommon in Toyah Creek. At Lake
Balmorhea, C. elegans occurs almost entirely in or near a small area
at the mouth of a cement irrigation flume. The flume empties into an
inflow canal about 5 meters wide and 100 to 200 meters long, depending
on lake level. The earthen canal supports a variety of other fishes,
including Notropis lutrensis, Dionda episcopa, Pimephales promelas,
Notemigonus crysoleucas, Cyprinus carpio, Astyanax mexicanus,
Ictalurus punctatus, Gambusia nobilis, G. geiseri, G. affinis, Menidia
beryllina, Cyprinodon variegatus, Fundulus grandis, Lepomis
macrochirus, L. cyanellus and L. humilis. These species probably came
from: 1) movement downstream from spring fed waters; 2) introductions
by man from inland areas, possibly the Pecos River; and 3)
transportations by man from the Gulf Coast and/or the lower Rio
Grande. C. variegatus, first found in Lake Balmorhea in the middle
1960's, presumably was introduced from the Gulf Coast, and now
occupies shallow areas around the lake. In the inflow canal where
hybridization occurs, C. variegatus outnumbers C. elegans by more than
10 to 1. Introductions of coastal bait fishes continue. For example,
Fundulus grandis was first taken in the summer of 1977; a rotenone
operation of the lake conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department in 1979 yielded large numbers of F. grandis (04).
Cyprinodon elegans exhibits little premating reproductive
isolation when artificially brought into contact with introduced
pupfishes. This is shown clearly by the hybridization in Lake
Balmorhea. Here, despite minor postmating isolation, the variegatus
genome has been introgressed by elegans genes, and presumably, the
elegans genome would be contaminated similarly if variegatus were
established in upstream areas of the irrigation system. Potential
hazards include "baitbucket" transport of other pupfishes (e.g., C.
bovinus from Pecos County and C. peconsensis from the Pecos River),
but the most likely source of danger continues to be introductions
from the C. variegatus population in Lake Balmorhea.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is maintaining a culture of
Cyprinodon elegans at the Dexter National Fish Hatchery, Dexter, New
Mexico. This population came from an original stocking of 30
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
individuals taken from an irrigation canal leading from Giffin Springs
(04).
Life History - 4 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling water levels
Beneficial Developing/maintaining/protecting wetlands
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human use of habitats
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Water Right Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Creating Artificial Habitat/Nesting Structure
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Adverse Hybridization
Existing Hybridization
Adverse Water Temperature Alteration
Existing Water Temperature Alteration
Adverse Strip mining
Existing Strip mining
Adverse Groundwater drawdown
Existing Groundwater drawdown
Adverse Irrigating
Existing Irrigating
Adverse Dredging
Existing Dredging
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse
Existing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Cyprinodon elegans faces both generalized and specific threats.
All large springs in west Texas have either failed or are failing due
to excessive groundwater pumping (12). The cessation of flow from
Comanche Springs during the mid-1950's eliminated approximately one-
half of the historic habitat of this species (04,05,13). Additional
habitat for the Comanche Springs pupfish has been lost due to
irrigation related and agricultureal development modifications
occurring in the Balmorhea region since 1975 (12).
In addition to the significant decreases in available habitats
for the species, other immediate threats to the survival of Cyprinodon
elegans include competition pressure for limited resources and space
from introduced species and the loss of genetic integrity as a result
of hybridization with introduced sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon
variegatus) (04).
The large flow of Comanche Springs was used as a water source as
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
early as 1875 to irrigate over 6,000 acres of farmland (10). Because
of overutilization of the groundwater resources feeding Comanche
Springs, the springs failed in 1955 (10) and the Comanche Springs
population of Cyprinodon elegans was extripated (01,05,06,08).
Extensive modification also took place in the Balmorhea region
beginning during the mid-1870's (01,10). Many canals were dug for
irrigation purposes and these modifications have continued through the
present. Marshes, which are presumed to have supported large numbers
of Comanche Springs pupfish were drained and spring flows diverted
into nearby fields. Local pumping of groundwater on privately owned
lands has exacerbated the decline of spring flows in this area and has
apparently greatly reduced the size of the pupfish population (01).
In an effort to increase the population size of the Comanche Springs
pupfish, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has built a refugium
canal using spring flows from San Solomon Springs in their Balmorhea
State Recreation Area (01,06). This refugium, was completed in 1974
and its stable flowing-water habitat supports a population of several
thousand C. elegans (01,06).
Half of the known habitat of the Comanche Springs pupfish is dry
(Comanche Springs and outflow within Fort Stockton, Pecos County, TX)
and the remaining spring flows near Balmorhea (Reeves County, TX) are
failing (04,12). As Phantom Springs are at a higher elevation than
the other springs in the Balmorhea area, this spring is failing at a
faster rate and is predicted to go dry within 50 years (04,12,17).
A relatively large number of introduced fishes are found in
Comanche Springs pupfish habitats. These species 1) compete for food
and space with the Comanche Springs pupfish, and 2) threaten the
genetic integrity of the Comanche Springs pupfish through
introgressive hybridization (from hybridization with the introduced
sheepshead minnow, C. variegatus) (04,11).
Since C. elegans appears relatively generalized in ecological
needs, almost any co-occurring species of fish, either indigenous or
introduced, potentially would exert competitive pressure on the
pupfish population. Abundance and distribution data indicate C.
elegans is more successful in the environment of Lake Balmorhea than
C. variegatus. C. elegans has a long history in spring fed
environments, while C. variegatus evolved in highly unstable,
eurythermal habitats. Presumably, C. elegans would be more successful
than C. variegatus in stenothermal spring outflows, whereas C.
variegatus would exclude C. elegans form presently occupied, unstable
habitats upstream from Lake Balmorhea (04).
Cyprinodon elegans exhibits little premating reproductive
isolation when artificially brought into contact with introduced
pupfishes. This is shown clearly by the hybridization in Lake
Balmorhea. Here, despite minor postmating isolation, the variegatus
genome has been introgressed by elegans genes, and presumably, the
elegans genome would be contaminated similarly if variegatus were
established in upstream areas of the irrigation system. Potential
hazards include "baitbucket" transport of other pupfishes (e.g., C.
bovinus from Pecos County and C. peconsensis from the Pecos River),
but the most likely source of danger continues to be introductions
from the C. variegatus population in Lake Balmorhea.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1981. Comanche Springs Pupfish
(Cyprinodon elegans) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Albuquerque, New Mexico. 26 pp.
This Recovery Plan is currently being revised with no major
changes in recovery actions.
The well-being of the Comanche Springs pupfish and success
of management efforts should be ensured by frequent monitoring.
Monitoring should occur in several areas representative of the variety
of habitats typically occupied by the species. Dates of sampling
(July and January) are recommended as representative of periods of
maximum and minimum temperatures and water usage for irrigation. Bank
observation (between 1200 and 1600 hours) and seining are recommended
monitoring methods. The habitat should be monitored simultaneously
with the recording of such factors as:
1) Rate of water flow.
2) Abundance and type of aquatic vegetation.
3) Changes in shoreline vegetation.
4) Any other indication of changes in habitat quality.
Enhancement of existing habitats is of highest priority. Many
areas of marginally suitable habitat in irrigation ditches dry up when
water is not needed for irrigation. These areas could be maintained
as year-round pupfish habitat with intermittent flooding of these
ditches during the non-irrigation season. Habitat could also be
expanded at the head of Phantom Lake Spring by constructing a refugium
canal through the now dry Phantom Lake. This would provide enhanced
and enlarged habitat while having little impact on the amount of water
available for irrigation. Cooperative agreements with private, State
and Federal agencies in order to secure water rights to protect
pupfish habitat is also recommended by the Plan. The captive
population of Comanche Springs pupfish at Dexter NFH should be
maintained for scientific research and as a reserve gene pool in the
event that the wild population experiences a severe decline. Comanche
Springs pupfish should be provided the full protection mandated by
Federal and Texas laws. Finally, public awareness of the uniqueness
of the pupfish should be increased through the preparation of
information pamplets, interpretive programs, and a motion picture on
its uniqueness and Endangered status of the entire aquatic ecosystem.
Balmorhea State Recreation Area, with its Comanche Springs pupfish
refugium, is and excellent site for public education.
Although not mentioned in the Recovery Plan it may be desirable
to reduce competition and the risk of hybridization by removing
introduced exotic fish. Considering the surrounding agriculture and
the use of irrigation it may also be helpful to the pupfish to control
herbicides and pesticides that are known to be harmful to the food
chain on which the pupfish depends. Land use zoning and the
controlling of pollutants from agriculture and the recreational use of
the area may in fact help maintain the water table and aid in the
management of local wetlands and water flows. Oil and gas drilling
may also be an activity in need of some monitoring in relation to
pollutants and disturbance of the water table.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has constructed a small
refugium at Balmorhea State Recreation Area to provide stable flowing
water habitat for a small population of C. elegans. The refugium was
completed in 1974 and now supports a population of several thousand
pupfish.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is maintaining a genetic stock of
C. elegans at the Dexter National Fish Hatchery, Dexter, NM. The
original stock consisted of about 30 individuals from an irrigation
ditch fed by Giffin Springs. The pupfish at Dexter are being held
there to provide fish for reintroduction efforts should a catastrophic
loss of the natural population occur, and as a stock from which
research specimenhs may be taken without affecting the wild
population.
Management Practices - 4 (DRAFT) - References
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Baird and Girard. 1853. Descriptions of new species of fishes
collected by Mr. John H. Clark, on the U.S. and Mexican Boundry
Survey, under Lt. Col. Jas. D. Graham. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci.
Phila. (1852-1853) 6:387-390.
02 Girard, C. 1859. Ichthyology of the boundary. In: United States
and Mexican Boundry survey, under the order of Lt. Col. W.H. Emory.
Vol. 2(2): 85 pp., 41 pls.
03 Miller, R.R. 1951. (Review of) Alvarez, J., Claves para la
determinacion de especies en los peces de las aguas continentales
Mexicanas. Copeia 1951:103-104.
04 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1981. Comanche Springs pupfish
(Cyprinodon elegans) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Albuquerque, NM. 25 pp.
05 Echelle, A.A. 1975. A multivariate analysis of variation in an
Endangered fish, Cyprinodon elegans, with an assessment of
populational status. Texas J. Sci. 26:529-538.
06 Itzkowitz, M. 1969. Observations on the breeding behavior of
Cyprinodon elegans in swift water. Texas J. Sci. 21:229-231.
07 Gehlbach, F.R., C.L. Bryan and H.W. Reno. 1978. Thermal
ecological features of Cyprinodon elegans and Gambusia nobilis,
Endangered Texas fishes. Texas J. Sci. 30:99-101.
08 Liu, R.K. 1969. The comparative behavior of allopatric species
(Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae: Cyprinodon). Unpubl. Ph.D. Thesis,
Univ. of Calif., Los Angeles.
09 Echelle, A.A. and A.F. Echelle. 1978. The Pecos River pupfish,
Cyprinodon pecosensis n, sp. (Cyprinodontidae), with comments on
its evolutionary origin. Copeia 1978: 569-582.
10 Mosier, D.T. 1985. Pers. comm. Asst. Curator, Texas Nat. Hist.
Coll., Univ. of Texas, Austin.
11 Stevenson, M.M. and T.M. Buchanan. 1973. An analysis of
hybridization between the cyprinodont fishes Cyprinodon variegatus
and C. elegans. Copeia 1973: 682-692.
12 Brune, G. 1981. Springs of Texas. Vol. 1. Branch-Smith, Inc.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
13 Echelle, A.A. and C. Hubbs. 1978. Haven for Endangered pupfish.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Mag. 36:9-11.
14 Davis, J.R. 1979. Die-offs of an Endangered pupfish, Cyprinodon
elegans (Cyprinodontidae). Southwest. Nat. 24:534-536
15 Miller, R.R. 1961. Man and the changing fish fauna of the
American southwest. Pap. Mich. Acad. Sci., Arts and Letters 46:
365-404.
16 Kennedy, S.E. 1977. Life history of the Leon Springs pupfish,
Cyprinodon bovinus. Copeia 1977:93-103.
17 White, W., H. Gale and S. Nye. 1938. Ground-water resources of
the Balmorhea area in western Texas. Texas Water Development,
Misc. Publ., No. 11.
18 Hubbs, C. 1982. Occurrence of exotic fishes in Texas waters.
Pearce-Sellards Series, No. 36, Texas Memorial Mus. 19 pp.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species PUPFISH, COMANCHE SPRINGS
Species Id ESIS252008
Date 14 MAR 96
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1981. Comanche Springs pupfish
(Cyprinodon elegans) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Albuquerque, NM. 25 pp.
02 Baird and Girard. 1853. Descriptions of new species of fishes
collected by Mr. John H. Clark, on the U.S. and Mexican Boundry
Survey, under Lt. Col. Jas. D. Graham. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci.
Phila. (1852-1853) 6:387-390.
03 Miller, R.R. 1961. Man and the changing fish fauna of the
American southwest. Pap. Mich. Acad. Sci., Arts and Letters 46:
365-404.
04 Hubbs, C. and A.A. Echelle. 1972. Endangered non-game fishes of
the upper Rio Grande Basin. In: Rare and Endangered Wildlife of
the Southwestern United States, New Mexico Game and Fish Dept.,
Santa Fe, NM. Pp 147-167.
05 Echelle, A.A. 1975. A multivariate analysis of variation in an
Endangered fish, Cyprinodon elegans, with an assessment of
populational status. Texas J. Sci. 26:529-538.
06 Echelle, A.A. and C. Hubbs. 1978. Haven for Endangered pupfish.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Mag. 36:9-11.
07 Itzkowitz, M. 1969. Observations on the breeding behavior of
Cyprinodon elegans in swift water. Texas J. Sci. 21:229-231.
08 Stevenson, M.M. and T.M. Buchanan. 1973. An analysis of
hybridization between the cyprinodont fishes Cyprinodon variegatus
and C. elegans. Copeia 1973: 682-692.
09 Gehlbach, F.R., C.L. Bryan and H.W. Reno. 1978. Thermal
ecological features of Cyprinodon elegans and Gambusia nobilis,
Endangered Texas fishes. Texas J. Sci. 30:99-101.
References - 2