(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - SPIKEDACE
OTHER COMMON NAMES - SPIKEDACE; DACE, SPIKE+; SPIKEDACE, GILA;DACE, SPIKE+, GILA; DACE, SPINY, GILA; DACE, SPINE and GILA
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CYPRINIFORMES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CYPRINIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - MEDA,
SPECIES AND SSP - FULGIDA,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - MEDA FULGIDA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Spikedace
Meda fulgida Girard, 1856
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes
ORDER: Cypriniformes FAMILY: Cyprinidae
The spikedace, Meda fulgida, is a slender, spindle-shaped
cyprinid with a maximum total length (TL) of about 75 mm. The body is
moderately laterally compressed and the head is somewhat flattened
dorsally. The sides of this minnow are silvery, grading into
white ventrally. The dorsum and a portion of the lateral surface is
grey to olive-brown and often mottled. Breeding males are often
brilliant yellow to gold-colored laterally (01), while females
sometimes exhibit similar but less intense coloration. Tubercles are
present in both sexes over the antero-lateral and ventral portions of
the body and on most fins, but are less developed in females (01,03,
16). The body appears scaleless, but scales are small and deeply
embedded. Pharyngeal teeth are 1,4-4,1. The first two dorsal rays
are sharp spines, the first being the longest. Dorsal fin rays are
typically seven, and anal fin rays typically nine (01,02,03).
The spikedace is included in a unique tribe of minnows, the
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
Plagopterini, that is restricted to the Colorado River basin (03).
This group, composed of six species in three genera, shares a feature
unique among the Cyprinidae in North America, in that rays in the
dorsal and pelvic fins are ossified, true spines (03). Meda, first
described in 1856 by Girard (04) from specimens collected in the San
Pedro River, Arizona (type locality, 05), is a monotypic genus
endemic to the Gila River drainage. The type specimens are apparently
yet extant and are housed in the Philadelphia Academy of Natural
Sciences, Philadelphia. Additional specimens of spikedace are housed
in the fish collections of Arizona State University, University of
Michigan Museum of Zoology, and the University of New Mexico. Common
names include Gila spiny dace, Gila spine dace, spikedace (01,03), and
Gila spikedace (16). No studies of morphologic variation over the
range of the species have been completed.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
T: Federal Threatened
Game (Consumptive Recreational)
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The spikedace (Meda fulgida) has been designated a Threatened
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
and New Mexico.
Special rules concerning "take" for this species can be found in
50 CFR 17.44(p).
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.
BIA -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Bureau of Indian Affairs
lands.
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.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
NPS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for conservation (Nat. Park System Organic Act - 16
U.S.C. 1, 2-3)/management/recovery on National Park
Service lands. Taking, possessing, or disturbing of
Federally listed species is prohibited on NPS lands
(36 CFR 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3).
USFS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Forest Service lands. The
Forest Service is responsible for integrating
management, protection, and conservation of Federally
listed species into the Forest Planning process
(36 CFR 219.19 and 219.20). Management practices that
would cause detrimental changes in water temperature
or composition, water course blockage, or sediment
deposits within 100 feet of the edges of perennial
streams, lakes or other bodies of water are prohibited
(36 CFR 219.27(e)).
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: Recognized threatened, Group 3
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Arizona Game and Fish Department
STATE STATUTE: Admin. Rules and Regs. Sec. 12-4-319 and
12-4-210. Arizona Rev. Stat. Sec. 17-306.
STATE: New Mexico
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered, Group II
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: New Mexico State Game Commission
STATE STATUTE: New Mexico Stat. Annot., Reg. 624, Sec. 17-2-41.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
This species was listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red Data Book
in 1977 and in the 1986 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species may have been used as a bait fish. It has a
cultural value as a component of New Mexico and Arizona's natural
heritage of biotic diversity.
82/12/30:47 FR 58454/58460 - Notice of Review
Status - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
85/06/18:50 FR 25390/25398 - Proposed Rule, with Crit. Hab.
86/07/01:51 FR 23769/23781 - Final Rule, Threatened, no Crit. Hab.
Status - 3 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY TYPES
SAF TYPE STAGE CLOSURE
shrub--seedling
young tree
mature tree
Old Growth
Interior Ponderosa Pine shrub--seedling
Interior Ponderosa Pine young tree
Interior Ponderosa Pine mature tree
Interior Ponderosa Pine Old Growth
LAND USE -
Mixed Urban or Built-up Land
Cropland and Pasture
Herbaceous Rangeland
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Mixed Rangeland
Deciduous Forest Land
Evergreen Forest Land
Mixed Forest Land
Streams and Canals
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, upper perennial UB2
Riverine, upper perennial UB1
Riverine, upper perennial SB2
Riverine, upper perennial SB1
Riverine, upper perennial RS
Riverine, upper perennial RB
Riverine, upper perennial FL2
Riverine, upper perennial FL1
Riverine, upper perennial BB2
Riverine, upper perennial BB1
Riverine, upper perennial AB1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The spikedace belongs to a suite of small- to moderate-sized
fishes that occur in mid-elevation (600-1850 m), cool to warmwater
streams and rivers of moderate gradient (01,11) in the Gila River
basin. These kinds of streams flow through a variety of riparian
habitats, ranging from coniferous, Ponderosa pine-dominated habitats
in upstream reaches to Chihuahuan and Sonoran desert/scrub at lower
elevations (13). Streamside vegetation includes willow, cottonwood,
sycamore, saltcedar, and a variety of shrubs, grasses, and sedges
(13). Spikedace inhabit only perennial lotic habitats of moderate
temperature (generally < 32 degrees Celsius max.) and velocity that
are well aerated. Little is known regarding the salinity, pH,
conductivity, or turbidity tolerances of spikedace, but currently
occupied habitats have moderate levels of the above parameters that
permit a wide variety of aquatic life to survive (01,10,11,14).
Microhabitat parameters have been extensively investigated over
Habitat Associations - 1 geographic, seasonal, and ontogenetic variables (11). In general,
spikedace of all life stages occupy run and riffle habitat in
moderate velocity water over sand and gravel substrates (01,11,15,16,
17,18,19). Larvae occupy shallow, nearshore areas with low water
velocities, and are usually found over sand or gravel substrates.
Juveniles and adults are found in a wider variety of habitats, usually
runs, but sometimes riffles, and microhabitats are generally faster,
deeper, and further from shore. Geographic variation of microhabitat
use has been documented but is thought to be an artifact of habitat
availability. In areas of limited habitat variability (e.g, West and
Middle Forks of the Gila River), spikedace are found in a subset of
microhabitats that are utilized by spikedace where a wider range of
microhabitats existed (e.g., Gila River in the Cliff-Gila Valley)
(11). Seasonal variation in microhabitat use includes moving to more
sheltered, shallow, nearshore areas with lower water velocities in
winter and use of deeper, swifter habitats in the summer (11).
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Detritus
General Bacteria
General Algae
General Crustaceans
General Worms
General Fish
General Zooplankton
General Arthropods
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
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: Talus
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
The food and feeding habits of spikedace are comparatively well
studied (01,11,15,16,17,18,19). Spikedace are primarily carnivorous,
feeding on a variety of drifting and benthic macroinvertebrates.
Most studies document a preponderance of adult and nymphal mayflies
(Ephemeroptera) in the diet and lesser amounts of stoneflies
(Plecoptera), caddisflies (Tricoptera) and true flies (Diptera). Most
food items consumed are small (2-5 mm) (18), but vary widely with
size of the fish. Larvae eat predominantly small, immature Diptera
and Ephemeroptera. Foods consumed also vary between habitats (riffle
vs. pool) (19), but diet is dependant upon the invertebrate fauna
found in each habitat type. Spikedace also exhibit seasonal variation
in feeding intensity, eating more in the summer than winter (11).
Since spikedace generally consume foods in proportion to what is
available in the stream (17,19), it is doubtful that any particular
food item is absolutely essential to spikedace survival. It is
important, however, that a large and healthy invertebrate community be
maintained, especially in the spring when habitats are inundated with
large numbers of larval fish that consume primarily the same kinds of
food items (20). Spikedace in aquaria readily consumed 12-16 mm
sucker larvae.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Little is known regarding the home range or territoriality in
spikedace. Territoriality was not observed during spawning (16).
PERIODICITY:
There appears to be some level of periodicity in seasonal feeding
habits because spikedace feed most actively during the summer months
(11). Spikedace also exhibit diel feeding cycles, with peaks just
before sunset (19). Larval spikedace also appear to drift most
frequently during the day. Spikedace have been observed resting on
the substrate at night in shallow, low velocity water (20).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Little is known about the seasonal or daily movements of
spikedace. Although their small size probably inhibits long range
movements, highly variable population levels in some streams over
seasons or years indicates some kind of dispersal or movement.
Seasonal variation in occupancy of some stream reaches (e.g., West
Fork, Gila River) indicates that spikedace undergo at least limited
upstream movement. Although some investigators doubt that larval
spikedace are transported downstream (16), movement of larvae over
long distances has been well documented (11,20) and is probably the
primary means of downstream dispersal.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
None are specifically known other than those described in the
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS section. Microhabitat parameters have been
extensively investigated over geoghraphic, seasonal, and ontogenetic
variables (11). In general, spikedace of all life stages occupy run
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
and riffle habitat in moderate velocity water over sand and gravel
substrates (01,11,15,16,17,18,19). Larvae occupy shallow, nearshore
areas with low water velocities, and are usually found over sand or
gravel substrates. Juveniles and adults are found in a wider variety
of habitats, usually runs, but sometimes riffles, and microhabitats
are generally faster, deeper, and further from shore. Geographic
variation of microhabitat use has been documented but is thought to be
an artifact of habitat availability. In areas of limited habitat
variability (e.g., West and Middle Forks of the Gila River), spikedace
are found in a subset of microhabitats that are utilized by spikedace
where a wider range of microhabitats existed (e.g., Gila River in the
Cliff-Gila Valley) (11). Seasonal variation in microhabitat use
includes moving to more sheltered, shallow, nearshore areas with lower
water velocities in winter and use of deeper, swifter habitats in the
summer (11).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Spikedace spawn in the water column of riffles and runs. Water
is typically less than 30 cm deep, water velocity moderate (0.1-0.5
m/sec), and substrate a mixture of sand and gravel. Spikedace in
Aravaipa Creek spawned when water temperatures were 19 degrees
Celsius; in the Gila River, New Mexico, spikedace began spawning when
daytime high water temperatures reached 15 degrees Celsius (11,20),
and continued to reproduce in water up to 23 degrees Celsius. Diel
temperatures varied up to 7 degrees Celsius during spawning season.
Water is generally clear and spring runoff declining when spawning
occurs. Turbidity is typically low, and clean substrate and water of
good quality is important to a successful spawn because eggs develop
in the substrate over which they are layed (16).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
The reproductive biology of spikedace is comparatively well known
(01,11,16,18). Although two age classes of fish spawn (Age I and II),
Age I fish are more abundant and contribute more to total reproductive
output (11). Ovarian development starts in September for all age
classes of fish. Gonads develop slowly through the winter and more
quickly as spring runoff declines and water temperatures begin to
rise. Initiation of spawning varies between years and at different
localities. Spikedace in Aravaipa Creek and the Gila River were
found to spawn in March (16,18), but in other years spawned in April
and May in the Gila River (11). Age II females spawn first, about two
or three weeks before Age I fish. Female:male ratio varies from
nearly a 1:1 (16) to greater than 5:1 (11).
Barber et al. (16) described spawning behavior of spikedace.
Males patrolled a riffle above a pool where females staged. When a
female entered the area to spawn, she was immediately joined by two or
more males. A brief flurry of activity followed that sometimes
disturbed the substrate, at which time eggs were apparently laid.
Fish then drifted back downstream. Eggs are probably laid in small
batches (100-300) as only a small portion of the eggs mature within
the ovaries at any one time (11,16). Fecundity is size/age related
and varies from 400-2000 eggs/mature female (11,16,18). Mature eggs
average about 1.65 mm (1.35-2.0 mm) in diameter and are dark yellow
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
(11,16,18). Spawning season spans about four to six weeks (11).
Incubation time is unknown, but 4-7 days is probably a reasonable
estimate based on development intervals of other Gila River cyprinids
(11,21,22).
PARENTAL CARE:
No parental care is given to the eggs or young.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Little is known about the population biology of spikedace.
Distribution and abundance patterns of some spikedace populations
fluctuate dramatically (11), but causal mechanisms are unknown.
Predation by native fishes is probably limited (01,11,22) because of
non-overlapping habitat parameters. Predation by non-native fishes on
spikedace may be sustantial (23). Food supplies are probably not
limiting in any currently occupied habitat (11,17). Natural mortality
levels are highest on newly hatched larvae and remains high until fish
are about 25 mm TL. Mortality is also high on both Age I and II post
spawning spikedace. The maximum age for spikedace is about 24 months
but mean longevity is probably about 13 months (11). Population
fluctuations and abundance levels of spikedace are probably mostly
controlled by the amount and quality of available habitat. For
instance, greater densities of spikedace/unit area are supported by
the larger mainstream Gila River, New Mexico habitat than by any of
the Forks area habitats (11). Also, most of the fluctuating
populations exist in smaller (e.g., the East Fork of the Gila River,
Eagle Creek) rather than larger habitats (e.g., Gila River, New
Mexico) (11).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The reduction in distribution and abundance of spikedace is
though to be a combination of factors including habitat degradation
and interaction with and replacement by non-native fishes (01,23).
Red shiners (Notropis lutrensis) have been especially implicated in
the decline of spikedace and other native fishes (01,23). What is not
been adequately demonstrated is whether the reductions in range of
native fishes like spikedace are caused by prior habitat alterations,
and red shiners simply moved into unoccupied habitat, or whether the
sometimes complementary distribution patterns of native forms and red
shiners are caused directly by interactions. This pattern of
complementary, non-overlapping distribution was observed in the lower
Gila River, New Mexico. Examination of historical distribution
patterns and tracking the progress of invading red shiners clearly
demonstrated that either native fishes never occupied the area or,
more likely, that prior habitat alterations (flow reductions and
subsequent high water temperatures) precluded native fishes and that
red shiners simply moved into unoccupied habitat (11,20). In areas of
suitable habitat in the Gila River in the Cliff-Gila Valley, native
species including spikedace remain common and red shiners very rare
(11,20).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
Spikedace hatch at 5-6 mm TL, and grow quickly through the first
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
summer of life to about 40 mm standard length (SL) in September (11,
16,18). Age I fish average 50 mm SL by the end of their second
growing season. The largest spikedace known is 81 mm TL (18). Few,
if any spikedace are though to survive a third growing season (11,16).
Life History - 4 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Timber Harvesting
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling water levels
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human use of habitats
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Water Right Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Restricting Timber Harvest
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals
Adverse Off Road Vehicles
Existing Off Road Vehicles
Adverse Climate Alteration
Existing Climate Alteration
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Surface Mines
Existing Surface Mines
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Flooding
Existing Flooding
Adverse Groundwater drawdown
Existing Groundwater drawdown
Adverse Irrigating
Existing Irrigating
Adverse Reservoirs
Existing Reservoirs
Adverse Dredging
Existing Dredging
Adverse Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Existing Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Adverse Shoreline modification/development
Existing Shoreline modification/development
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Forest Alteration
Existing Forest Alteration
Adverse Harvesting
Existing Harvesting
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Reasons for the decline of the formerly widespread spikedace
can be grouped under two general headings. The first, habitat
destruction, is related mostly to incompatible land and water use
practices. Valleys generally surround spikedace habitat and these
areas were among the first occupied by settlers moving west in the
1800's (24). Water diversion reduced streamflow, water quality and
increased water temperatures. Livestock grazed in the valley bottoms,
trampled and removed vegetation and increased erosion and
sedimentation in lotic environments. Large-scale timber removal also
increased erosion and in combination with overgrazing and climatic
changes, resulted in changes in the timing and erosive power of runoff
and streamflow. Widespread downcutting of streambeds resulted in deep
arroyos where low gradient, vegetated stream valleys used to exist.
As the Southwest was further settled, demand for water for municipal
and irrigation purposes resulted in construction of mainstream dams.
These dams radically changed the nature of the release water, by
evening out high flow events, lowering average discharge, and in
bottom release dams, lowering water temperature. Ground water pumping
further reduced flows to the point of streambed dessication. These
modifications greatly reduced available habitat for spikedace and
other southwestern fishes but most species were able to persist in a
relatively large portion of their native range beyond the periods of
major physical change (07).
Non-native fish, usually piscivorous kinds, were stocked in
reservoirs, but some dispersed into lotic habitats and placed a
further strain on spikedace and other southwestern fish populations
through competitive and/or predatory interactions. Some of these
introduced forms, both piscivores and baitfish, were lotic adapted in
their native ranges and spread quickly through depauperate
southwestern streams (01,08). Minckley and Deacon (09) reported red
shiner to be replacing spikedace throughout much of its range, but
spikedace appear to coexist with red shiner (Notropis lutrensis) in
the upper Verde River, Arizona (10), and the lower Gila River, New
Mexico (11). Red shiners have also crossed a barrier in lower Eagle
Creek 912) and are found in sympatry with spikedace in the lower 16 km
of that stream. The long-term consequences of the coexistence of
these species is yet undetermined. Past studies have failed to
consider the effects of habitat changes and its effects on native fish
distribution and abundance, prior to the invasion of red shiners.
Interactions between these two species are currently under study by
biologists from Arizona State University.
Future threats to spikedace include many of the same factors that
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
precipitated their initial demise. Especially critical to spikedace
survivaly is the maintenance of streamflows and natural flow regimes,
including occassional water level fluctuation, in currently occupied
habitat. Reservoirs provide a reserve pool of predator fishes that
disperse into spikedace habitat. Dams radically alter the natural
streamflow patterns and construction of such should also be avoided.
Further introduction of more non-native species increases the
probability that greater predation pressure and introduction of
deleterious diseases will result.
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
The recovery plan for the spikedace is scheduled for initiation in
January of 1988.
Recovery of the spikedace will include insuring its survival in
its current range and reestablishing the species in areas of historic
occupancy. Perpetuation of the species in the wild depends on a
thorough knowledge of its life history and ecology. Extensive studies
were conducted by New Mexico Game and Fish personnel and contractors
resulting in a detailed status report completed in 1987. The status
report did not make recommendations; however those made for the loach
minnow (which has a similar geographic range) in another 1987 status
report by that agency, are modified herein.
It will be important to develop cooperative agreements among
private landowners, state, Federal agencies, and others as necessary
to protect and enhance the occupied or potential habitat of the
spikedace in New Mexico and Arizona. The introduction of non-native
warmwater fishes should be discontinued in the Gila drainage. Any
human activities, such as recreational use, which disturb, modify, or
destroy occupied or potential spikedace habitat should be carefully
evaluated. Where and when such activities are determined to be
detrimental to the spikedace, they should be halted. In addition, the
Bureau of Land Management presently has pending an application for a
minimum instream flow water right for Aravaipa Creek, to protect fish
and wildlife.
The Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area is managed by the Bureau of
Land Management. The Wilderness Area is withdrawn from mineral entry
and land appropriation for development and timber harvesting. It is
closed to vehicle use, and the canyon bottoms have been closed to
livestock grazing since 1974.
U.S. Forest Service management actions include plans and
activities for aquatic and riparian habitat improvement of the Upper
Gila River, such as riparian restoration and protection, erosion
control, and programs for reducing grazing impact on the stream and
riparian.
Some other conservation/recovery recommendations listed in this
species listing package include the establishment of Critical Habitat,
studies of species interrelationships with the spikedace, monitoring
of present populations and surveying for new populations, prohibiting
the use of live bait fish in the Upper Gila River, revising state
water laws to allow for water rights for instream flow, and developing
a plan for the reintroduction of Meda fulgida into suitable sites
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
within its historic range.
Herbicide and pesticide use has been controlled because of the
potential problem due to its use in agricultural lands upstream.
Spikedace studies should continue and expand to provide the
information necessary for development and implementation of
appropriate conservation measures. Of particular need are studies to
delineate the effects of human-induced modifications of streams upon
native fish communities. Integral to the above are investigations of
the impacts of introduced fishes on native fish communities. These
studies should be holistic in overall design, yet sufficiently
specific to provide baseline data on all components.
The water table must be maintained by controlling upstream
irrigation uses of water to allow for a constant water flow.
Survival of the Cliff-Gila Valley population is critical to the
survival of the species in New Mexico. The feasibility of
reintroductions into areas of historic range should also be evaluated.
Considerations should include habitat suitability and the non-native
predator/competitor load in proposed reintroduction sites. Any major
reclamation effort would require the development of hatchery stocks,
for which Dexter National Fish Hatchery would be the appropriate
facility. State legislation should be passed that provides the
mechanisms necessary to provide for and maintain permanent flows in
streams for the benefit of fish and wildlife. Agencies should
establish guidelines and an infrastructure to provide advice and
assistance to entities (public and private) that propose instream or
riparian modifications that might damage existing spikedace habitat.
Spikedace should be provided the full protection mandated by Federal,
New Mexico and Arizona laws. This includes Section 7 Consultation on
Federal projects and lands. Finally, public awareness of the
uniqueness of the spikedace should be increased through the
preparation of information pamplets, interpretive programs, and use of
broadcast and print media.
Interactions between the red shiner (Notropis lutrensis) and the
spikedace are currenlty under study by biologists from Arizona State
University.
Management Practices - 4 (DRAFT) - References
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Minckley, W.L. 1973. Fishes of Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish
Dept., Phoenix, AZ.
02 Koster, W.J. 1957. Guide to the fishes of New Mexico. Univ. of
New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM.
03 Miller, R.R. and C.L. Hubbs. 1960. The spiny-rayed cyprinid
fishes (Plagopterini) of the Colorado River system. Misc. Publ. of
the Univ. of Mich. Museum of Zoology 115:1-39.
04 Girard, C. 1856. Researches on the cyprinoid fishes inhabiting
the United States of America, west of the Mississippi Valley, from
specimens in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution. Proceed.
of the Acad. of Nat. Sci. of Philadelphia 8:165-213.
05 Rohde, F.C. 1980. Meda fulgida Girard, spikedace. P. 206 IN:
D.S. Lee, et al. Atlas of N. Amer. Freshwater Fishes. N.C. State
Mus. of nat. Hist., Raleigh, NC.
06 Miller, R.R. 1961. Man and the changing fish fauna of the
American Southwest. Papers of the Mich. Acad. of Sci., Arts, and
Letters 46:365-404.
07 Marsh, P.C. and W.L. Minckley. 1982. Fishes of the Phoenix
Metropolitan Area in central Arizona. North Amer. J. of Fisheries
Mgmt. 4:395-402.
08 Hubbs, C.L. 1954. Establishment of a forage fish, the red shiner
(Notropis litrensis), in the lower Colorado River system. Calif.
Fish and Game 40:287-294.
09 Minckley, W.L. and J.E. Deacon. 1968. Southwestern fishes and the
enigma of "endangered species." Science 159:1424-1432.
10 Barrett, P.J., W.G. Kepner, J.E. Burton, and M.D. Jakle. 1985.
Draft Verde River aquatic study. Joint study; U.S. Fish and Wildl.
Serv., Ariz. Game and Fish Dept., U.S. Bur. of Reclamation, May.
11 Probst, D.L., K.R. Bestgen, and C.W. Painter. 1986. Distribution,
status, biology, and conservation of the spikedace, Meda fulgida,
in New Mexico. Endangered Species Rept. No. 15, U.S. Fish and
Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
12 Brooks, J.E. 1987. Pers. comm. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv.,
Dexter Nat. Fish Hatchery. Dexter, NM.
13 Brown, D.E. 1982. Biotic communities of the American Southwest:
United States and Mexico. Desert Plants 4:1-342.
14 Minckley, W.L. 1981. Ecological studies of Aravaipa Creek,
central Arizona, relative to past, present, and future uses. Final
Rept. for the U.S. Bur. of Land Mgmt. Contract YA-512-CT6-98,
Safford District, Safford, AZ. Ariz. State Univ., Tempe.
15 Barber, W.E.,and W.L. Minckley. 1966. Fishes of Aravaipa Creek,
Graham and Pinal counties, Arizona. The Southwestern Naturalist
11:313-324.
16 Barber, W.E., D.C. Williams, and W.L. Minckley. 1970. The biology
of the Gila spikedace, Meda fulgida, in Arizona. Copiea 1970:9-18.
17 Schrieber, D.C. and W.L. Minckley. 1982. Feeding interrelations
of native fishes in a Sonoran Desert stream. Great Basin
Naturalist 41(1981):409-426.
18 Anderson, R.K. 1978. The distribution and aspects of the life
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
history of Meda fulgida in New Mexico. MS thesis. New Mexico
State Univ., Las Cruces, NM. 62 pp.
19 Barber, W.E. and W.L. Minckley. 1983. Feeding ecology of a
southwestern cyprinid fish, the spikedace, Meda fulgida. The
Southwestern Naturalist 28:33-40.
20 Bestgen, K.R. Unpubl. data. Dept. of Biology, Univ. of New
Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.
21 Probst, D.L., K.R. Bestgen, and C.W. Painter. 1987. Distribution,
status, biology, and conservation of the loach minnow, Tiaroga
cobitis, in New Mexico. Endangered Species Rept. No. 17. U.S.
Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
22 Bestgen, K.R. 1985. Distribution, biology, and status of the
roundtail chub, Gila robusta, in the Gila River drainage, New
Mexico. MS thesis. Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins. 104 pp.
23 Minckley, W.L. 1985. Native fishes and natural aquatic habitats
in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region II west of the Continental
Divide. Rept. to the U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
Dept. of Zool., Arizona State Univ., Tempe. ix + 158 pp.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Miller, R.R. and H.E. Winn. 1951. Additions to the known fish
fauna of Mexico: three species and one subspecies from Sonora.
Journal of the Wash. Acad. of Sci. 41:83-84.
02 Koster, W.J. 1957. Guide to the fishes of New Mexico. Univ. of
New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM.
03 Minckley, W.L. 1973. Fishes of Arizona. Ariz. Game and Fish
Dept., Phoenix, AZ.
04 Rohde, F.C. 1980. Meda fulgida Girard, spikedace. p. 206 IN,
D.S. Lee et al. Atlas of North American Freshwater Fishes. N. Car.
State Mus. of Nat. Hist., Raleigh, NC.
05 Minckley, W.L. 1985. Native fishes and natural aquatic habitats
in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region II west of the Continental
Divide. Rept. to the U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
Dept. of Zool., Ariz. State Univ., Tempe, AZ. ix + 158 pp.
06 Barber, W.E., and W.L. Minckley. 1966. Fishes of Aravaipa Creek,
Graham and Pinal counties, Arizona. The Southeastern Naturalist
11:313-324.
07 Minckley, W.L. 1981. Ecological studies of Aravaipa Creek,
central Arizona, relative to past, present, and future uses. Final
Rept. for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Contract YA-512-Ct6-98
Safford District, Safford, AZ. Ariz. State Univ., Tempe.
08 Probst, D.L., P.C. Marsh, and W.L. Minckley. 1985. Arizona survey
for spikedace (Meda fulgida) and loach minnow (Tiaroga cobitis):
Fort Apache and San Carlos Indian reservations and Eagle Creek,
May 1985. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
09 Bestgen, K.R. 1985. Results of identification of collections of
larval fish made in the Upper Salt and Gila Rivers, Arizona. Rept.
to U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
10 Barrett, P.J., W.G. Kepner, J.E. Burton, and M.D. Jakle. 1985.
Draft Verde River aquatic study. Joint study; U.S. Fish and Wildl.
Serv., Ariz. Game and Fish Dept., U.S. Bur. of Reclamation, May.
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species SPIKEDACE
Species Id ESIS252019
Date 14 MAR 96
11 Anderson, R.K. 1978. The distribution and aspects of the life
history of Meda fulgida in New Mexico. MS thesis. New Mexico
State Univ., Las Cruces, NM. 62 pp.
12 Probst, D.L., K.R. Bestgen, and C.W. Painter. 1986. Distribution,
status, biology, and conservation of the spikedace, Meda fulgida,
in New Mexico. Endangered Species Rept. No. 15, U.S. Fish and
Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
13 Barber, W.E., D.C. Williams, and W.L. Minckley. 1970. The biology
of the Gila spikedace, Meda fulgida, in Arizona. Copiea 1970:9-18.
14 Schreiber, D.C. and W.L. Minckley. 1982. Feeding interrelations
of native fishes in a Sonoran Desert stream. Great Basin
Naturalist 41(1981):409-426.
15 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Endangered and threatened
wildlife and plants; determination of threatened status for the
spikedace. Fed. Reg. 51:23769-23781.
16 Brooks, J.E. 1987. Pers. comm. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv.,
Dexter Nat. Fish Hatchery. Dexter, NM.
17 Minckley, W.L. and R.W. Clarkson. 1979. Fishes. Pp. 510-531, IN
W.L. Minckley and M.R. Sommerfeld (eds.). Resource Inventory for
the Gila River Complex, Eastern Arizona. Final Rept., Contract
YA-512-CT6-216, U.S. Bur. of Land Mgmt, Safford, Arizona Dist.,
Ariz. State Univ., Tempe, AZ.
18 Probst, D.L. 1987. Pers. comm. New Mexico Dept. of Game and
Fish, Santa Fe.
19 Bestgen, K.R. Unpubl. data. Dept. of Biology, Univ. of NM,
Albuquerque.
References - 3