(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - CHUB, YAQUI
OTHER COMMON NAMES - CHUB and YAQUI
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CYPRINIFORMES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CYPRINIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - GILA,
SPECIES AND SSP - PURPUREA,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - GILA PURPUREA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Yaqui Chub
Gila purpurea (Girard, 1857)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes
ORDER: Cypriniformes FAMILY: Cyprinidae
The Yaqui chub is relatively small (less than 15 cm TL) but deep
bodied with large scales. Adults develop a post-cranial dorsal hump
(1). The origin of the dorsal fin is behind the pelvic fins. Scales
are large and broadly imbricated with radii strongly developed on all
fields. The scales in the lateral line number 52-59. Fish usually
have eight dorsal and anal fin rays. The lateral line is complete
and decurved. The dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins usually have eight
rays. "The head of this species is 3 1/3 to 3 3/4 in length and
the eye 3 1/2 in the head. The mouth is oblique and pharyngeal
teeth are 2, 5-4, 2" (12).
The Yaqui chub is dark colored overall but usually lighter
below. Lateral bands are not developed. A vertically-elongated
diffuse, triangle-shaped caudal spot is usually present (12). During
the spring breeding period males take on a steel-blue coloration
while females remain essentially straw-colored (01).
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
This fish was first described by Girard (02) as Tigoma purpurea
from specimens taken in Rio San Bernardino, Sonora. The species was
subsequently assigned to several groups including Squalis purpureus
(13), Leucisus purpureus (14), and as Richardsonius purpureus (15)
until Miller and Simon (03) classified them as Gila. Barbour and
Miller (04) considered this species a member of the sub-genus
Temeculina of the genus Gila which includes several other species
ranging from the central Sierra Madre Occidental of southern Mexico
to central coastal California.
A brief synonomy follows:
Tigoma purpurea Girard, 1856
Squalis purpureus Jordan and Gilbert, 1883
Leucisus purpureus Jordan and Evermann, 1896
Richardsonius purpureus Snyder, 1915
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) 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 States of Arizona. Critical Habitat has been designated in
aquatic habitat of San Bernardino NWR in S 1/2 sec. 11; sec. 14; S 1/2
and NE 1/4 sec. 15; T24S, R30E in Cochise County, AZ.
(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:
STATE: Arizona
DESIGNATED STATUS: Group 2. Species is in jeopardy, extirpation
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
will occur without any recovery efforts.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Arizona Department of Game and Fish
STATE STATUTE: Arizona Revised Statute 17 (1982); 17-102; and
17-101 A 21 and AZ Admin. Rules: Regs. 12-4-210
(permits).
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
Listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red Book (1979).
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The species has a value as a component of Arizona's natural
heritage of biotic diversity.
82/12/30:47 FR 58454/58460 - Notice of Review (vertebrates).
83/07/15:48 FR 32527/32534 - Proposed rule.
84/08/31:49 FR 34490/34497 - Listed as Endangered.
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Mixed Rangeland
Streams and Canals
Nonforested Wetland
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, intermittent SB
Riverine, upper perennial SB
Riverine, lower perennial SB4
Riverine, lower perennial EM3
Palustrine UB4
Palustrine EM3
Palustrine
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Yaqui chub is associated with a variety of different
habitats within the mixed shrub and brush rangeland of the Rio Sonora
basin but most commonly with cut banks along pool margins, downed
logs of mature riparian trees, and large rock overhangs in
association with perennial flows (01) and in spring habitats (05).
According to Hendrickson et al. (06) and Minckley (07), cover appears
to be an important environmental variable as are pools and the
permanence of surface discharge. Silvey (10) reports that large Yaqui
chubs prefer deep pool habitat while smaller chubs prefer smaller pool
and intermediate riffle habitats. McNatt (11) reported chubs in
Leslie Creek to be most abundant in pools and in areas of detritus or
heavily overgrown cut banks. This species appears to inhabit deep
pools and fast runs during flood stage and retreats to shallow
isolated pools during dry seasons (12). In addition, Hendrickson and
Minckley (07) point out the the largest populations of this species
have developed in early successional stages of cienega development in
both Black Draw and Leslie Creek. Both sites have dense riparian
galleries and pools with extensive cover. This species will remain
in cienegas even when other habitat is available.
Silvey (10) reported that riffle habitats at Leslie Creek were
densely colonized by water-cress and deeper pools were colonized with
dense emergent vegetation. Vegetation lining the banks of chub
habitat include willow (Salix sp.), seep-willow (Baccharis
glutinosa), Fremont cottonwoods (Populus fremontii), velvet ash
(Fraxinus velutina), tobosa grass (Hilaria mutica), and sacaton
(Sporobolus airoides) (12).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Algae
General Arthropods
General Fish
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
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: Pool areas
G Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing]
G Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
G Terrestrial Features: Downed logs
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
Food consists of algae, terrestrial insects, and arachnids in
springhead habitats, but aquatic insects and small fishes are eaten
when available (05).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
No information on home range/territory.
PERIODICITY:
No information on periodicity.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
No information on migration patterns.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
The species is most often found associated with cut banks along
pool margins, downed logs of mature riparian trees, and large rock
overhangs wherever flows are perennial (01).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
No information on reproductive site requirements.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Spawning occurs in March and at this time the male takes on a
steely blue color while females stay a drab yellow-brown. The young
grow to 40-50 mm standard length by the following year (09). No
other information on reproduction characteristics is known.
PARENTAL CARE:
No information on parental care.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
This species spawns in March and the young grow to 40-50 mm
standard length by the following year (09). No other information on
this species population biology is known.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The longfin dace is the primary associated species on the San
Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge (01). In the Rio Sonora basin
the longfin dace, Mexican stoneroller, Sonoran topminnow, and Opata
sucker are all common associates, while in the Rio Matape, only the
Sonoran topminnow was abundant. At this time, the Yaqui chub is not
found in association with non-native, exotic fishes (01).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
No information on other life history descriptors.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Developing/maintaining stream structures
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Developing/maintaining/protecting wetlands
Beneficial Controlling water levels
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Water Right Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Creating Artificial Habitat/Nesting Structure
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Maintaining Early Stages of Succession
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Adverse Hybridization
Existing Hybridization
Adverse Flooding
Existing Flooding
Adverse Groundwater drawdown
Existing Groundwater drawdown
Adverse Irrigating
Existing Irrigating
Adverse Reservoirs
Existing Reservoirs
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes
Existing Vegetation Composition Changes
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Considering the historic range of this species throughout the
United States and Mexico, the primary reasons for decline include
arroyo cutting due to overgrazing and the removal of riparian
vegetation (this in turn has resulted in high rates of erosion and
siltation), pumping of the groundwater, blockage of streams by
the construction of severial reservoirs, the introduction of
exotic species (within the Rio de la Concepcion system in Mexico,
evidence of hybridization with Gila ditaenia has been detected) (01),
and flooding (flooding damages habitat areas, and reproduction due to
loss of fry/eggs). Specifically within the United States, a part of
the Astin Spring population is at the source of Black Draw, were the
habitat has been trampled into a quagmire by cattle and suffered from
reduced flow (i.e. water diversion and drawdown, and groundwater
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
drawdown).
The proposed construction of a fishing lake in Leslie Canyon, a
plan now aborted, would have inundated Leslie Creek and destroyed the
introduced population of Yaqui chub (01). This is the type of
ongoing threat faced by this species.
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan.
Technical Review Draft. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque,
NM. v + 43 pp.
The recovery of the Yaqui chub is dependent upon the
successful implementation of the master plan for the San Bernadino
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Delisting is recommended when six
stable populations have been established there and when the chub
population in Leslie Creek (private land) is also secure. Delisting
could come when a secure viable population is established within
hitoric range in Mexico. The plan calls for monitoring of existing
Yaqui chub populations by:
1. annual summer surveys of each population,
2. annual documentation of habitat conditions,
3. collection of pertinent data, and
4. distribution of data to concerned agencies and individuals.
The management of exhisting habitats on public lands should include:
1. implementation of the San Bernadino NWR master plan,
2. enhancement and improvement of existing habitats,
3. prevention of introduction of non-native fishes (building barriers
where necessary),
4. buildling and maintaining barriers against invasion of non-native
fishes,
5. removal of non-native fishes from chub habitats and adjacent
habitats, and
6. review and comment on all proposed projects which could affect the
chub and its habitat.
Management of existing habitats on private lands should include:
1. obtainging management rights through habitat protection agreements
(i.e. water right acquistion, land acquistion), and
2. development and implementation of management plans for privately
owned chub habitat.
Other recommended actions include:
1. maintaining the stock of Yaqui chub at Dexter NFH, where it
has been successfully cultured,
2. reintroduction of Yaqui chub into suitable habitat on San
Bernardino NWR (actions that may be required to create or maintain
suitable habitat are: controll or removal of exotic vertebrates,
habitat revegetation/land rehabilitation, creation of artificial
habitat or nesting areas,controll of agricultural practices that
may effect the habitat, restriction of use of pesticides and
herbicides within the habitat area, maintaining the water table and
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
flow rate, wetland management, stream bank or channel modification,
limit human impact by limiting their access, and to maintain early
stages of succession [Hendrickson and Minckley (07) point out the
the largest populations of this species have developed in early
successional stages of cienega development in both Black Draw and
Leslie Creek. Both sites have dense riparian galleries and pools
with extensive cover. This species will remain in cienegas even
when other habitat is available.]),
3. monitoring of reintroductions,
4. enforcement of all Federal laws protecting the species, and
5. development of public support through an information and education
program through:
a. development of an interpretive program at San Bernardino
NWR,
b. preparation of an information pamphlet,
c. production of a video for schools and public TV stations,
and
d. news releases to the media.
The plan also calls for studies on this and other native fish
species, particularly Yaqui catfish, Yaqui topminnow, and the
Beautiful shiner (the other listed fishes present or destined for
reintroduction at San Bernardino NWR), including:
1. basic studies on the biology and ecology of the species,
2. species habitat utilization,
3. competition and predation among listed species and other
historically present species that are slated for reintroduction at
San Bernardino NWR (roundtail chub, Mexican stoneroller, longfin
dace, and Yaqui sucker).
Ongoing recovery efforts: Management of the San Bernardino NWR.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Recovery plan for the
Yaqui chub, beautiful shiner, and Yaqui catfish (Draft). On file
with the Fish and Wildl. Serv., Off. of Endg. Sp., Wash., D.C.
02 Girard, C. 1857. Researches upon the cyprinoid fishes inhabiting
the freshwaters of the United states of America, west of the
Mississippi Valley, from the species in the museum of the
Smithsonian Institution. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 8:165-213.
03 Miller, R.R. and J.R.. Simon. 1943. Notropis mearnsi from
Arizona, an addition to the known fish fauna of the United States.
Copeia 1943:253.
04 Barbour, C.D. and R.R. Miller. 1978. A revision of the Mexican
cyprinid genus Algansae. Misc. Publ. Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich.
155:1-72.
05 Minckley, W.L. 1973. Fishes of Arizona. Ariz. Game Fish Dept.,
Phoenix. 293 pp.
06 Hendrickson, D. ., W.L. Minckley, R.R. Miller, D.J. Siebert,
and P.H. Minckley. 1981. Fishes of the Rio Yaqui basin, Mexico
and the United States. J. Arizona-Nevada Acad. of Sci.
15(1980):66-106.
07 Minckley, W.L. 1985. Native fishes and natural habitats in U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Region II west of the Continental
Divide. Report on file with U.S. Fish and Wildl. Service,
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
08 Hendrickson, D. and W.l. Minckley. 1985. Cienegas--vanishing
climax communities of the American Southwest. Desert Plants
6(1984):131-175.
09 Lee, D.S. et al. 1980. Atlas of North American freshwater
fishes. NC State Mus. of Nat. Hist., Raleigh. 854 pp.
10 Silvey, W. n.d. Fishes of Leslie Creek Cochise County, Arizona.
Rep. on file with the U.S.D.I., Fish and Wildl. Serv., Off. of
Endangered Species, Arlington, VA.
11 McNatt, R.M. 1974. Re-evaluation of the Native Fishes of the Rio
Yaqui in the United States. Proc. 54th Ann. West. Assoc., State
Game Fish. Comm.
12 Anon. [n.d.] Status reports on the Yaqui chub, beautiful shiner,
and Yaqui catfish. Rep. on file with the U.S. Fish and Wildl.
Serv., Off. of Endangered Species, Arlington, VA.
13 Jordan D.S. and C.H. Gilbert. 1883. Synopsis of the fishes of
North America. Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., Pt. I. 47:1-120.
14 Jordan, D.S. and B.W. Evermann. 1896. The fishes of North and
Middle America. U.S. Nat. Mus., Pt. 1. 47:1-1240.
15 Snyder, J.O. 1915. Notes on a collection of fishes made by Dr.
Edgar A. Mearns from rivers tributary to the Gulf of California.
Proc. U.S. Nat Mus. 49:573-586.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Hendrickson, D., W.L. Minckley, R.R. Miller, D.J. Siebert, and
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species CHUB, YAQUI
Species Id ESIS252014
Date 14 MAR 96
P.H. Minckley. 1981. Fishes of the Rio Yaqui basin, Mexico and
United States. J. Arizona-Nevada Acad. Sci. 15(1908):66-106.
02 Girard, C. 1857. Researches upon the cyprinid fishes inhabiting
the freshwaters of the United States of America, west of the
Mississippi Valley, from species in the Museum of the Smithsonian
Institution. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 8:165-213.
03 Miller, R.R. and J.R. Simon. 1943. Notropis mearnsi from
Arizona, an addition to the known fish fauna of the United States.
Copeia 1943:253.
04 Branson, B., C.J. McCoy, Jr., and M.E. Sisk. 1969. Notes on the
freshwater fishes of Sonora, with an addition to the known fauna.
Copeia 1960:217-220.
05 Barbour, C.D. and R.R. Miller. 1978. A revision of the Mexican
cyprinid genus Algansae. Misc. Publ. Mus. Zool., Univ. Mich.
155:1-172.
06 Minckley, W.L. and D.E. Brown. 1982. Part 6. Wetlands.
pp. 222-287, 333-341. IN: D.E. Brown (ed.). Biotic communities
of the American Southwest--United States and Mexico. Desert
Plants 4(1-4).
07 Hendrickson, D. 1984. Distribution records of native and exotic
fishes in Pacific drainages of northern Mexico. J. Arizona-Nevada
Acad. Sci. 18:33-38.
08 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Recovery Plan for the
Yaqui chub, beautiful shiner, and Yaqui catfish (Draft). On file
with the Fish and Wildl. Serv., Off. of Endg. Sp., Wash., D.C.
09 Minckley, W.L. 1973. Fishes of Arizona. Ariz. Game Fish Dept.,
Phoenix.
10 Minckley, W.L. and J.E. Brooks. 1986 (in press). Transplants of
native Arizona fishes through 1980. J. Arizona-Nevada Acad. of
Sci.
11 McNatt, R.M. 1974. Re-evaluation of the native fishes of the Rio
Yaqui in the United States. Proc. Ann. Conf. West. Assoc. St.
Game Fish Comm. 54:273-279.
12 Silvey, W.S. 1975. Fishes of Leslie Creek, Cochise County, Ariz.
Ariz. Game Fish Dept. Proj. F-7-R-17, Job IV, Seg. 2:1-11.
13 Minckley, W.L. 1985. Native fishes and natural aquatic habitats
in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region II west of the
Continental Divide. Rep. on file with U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv.,
Albuquerque, N.M.
References - 2