Sonoyta pupfish
Encyclopedia
The Sonoyta pupfish or Quitobaquito pupfish, Cyprinodon eremus, is one of the most distinct species in its genus. This pupfish
( Cyprinodon
- Genus ) is restricted to the Rio Sonoyta Basin in Sonora, Mexico and south-central Arizona
, named the Quitobaquito Springs. The Quitobaquito pupfish is the last remaining major population of fish at the Spring
s.
The Quitobaquito pupfish has a thick, chubby body with a superior mouth filled with tricuspid teeth. The scales have spine-like projections. The body colors of males and females vary. Females (and juveniles) have narrow, vertical dark bands on the sides of the body, with a disjoined lateral band. Although females (and juveniles) have silver bodies, the fins are generally colorless, with the exception of an ocellate spot on the dorsal fin, and sometimes, a dark spot on the anal fin. Mature, breeding males, however, have darker fins, attached to a light to sky-blue body. The posterior part of their caudal peduncle (tailside) is yellow or orange, and sometimes, an intense orange-red.
Compared to other pupfishes, the Quitobaquito pupfish has a larger head, mouth and body, but smaller fins and shorter caudal peduncle. The Quitobaquito pupfish also has a deeper head and longer jaw.
, in which there is also a concrete tank nearby where the fish are held.
Quitobaquito pupfish are not restricted to small ponds and springs, where it prefers shallow water and heavily vegetated marsh. These pupfish can handle various fluctuations of water temperatures as well; including salinity levels three times that of seawater and temperatures exceeding 95 F (35 C).
The Quitobaquito pupfishes are omnivores, consuming all types of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plants.
The Quitobaquitaque pupfish chooses a territory to reproduce, but strangely, the female’s eggs are deposited randomly within that territory. Males have a distinct coloration that intensifies during breeding season.
Due to habitat changes, predation and/or competition with nonnative fishes, and possible wind drift of harmful chemicals from nearby Sonora, Mexico, the Quitobaquito pupfish population is severely reduced in other areas; however, the population at the Quitobaquito Springs remains stable, but sometimes ranges from high to low numbers seasonally. Conservation efforts for this species includes maintenance of habitats by keeping them free of nonnative aquatic species, and observing population health frequently.
Pupfish
Pupfish are a group of small killifish belonging to ten genera of the family Cyprinodontidae of ray-finned fish. All pupfish are especially noted for being found in extreme and isolated situations, in various parts of North America, South America, and the Caribbean region...
( Cyprinodon
Cyprinodon
Cyprinodon is a genus of small killifish belonging to the family Cyprinodontidae of ray-finned fish.-Species:* Whitefin pupfish, Cyprinodon albivelis Minckley & Miller, 2002.* Potosi pupfish, Cyprinodon alvarezi Miller, 1976....
- Genus ) is restricted to the Rio Sonoyta Basin in Sonora, Mexico and south-central Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
, named the Quitobaquito Springs. The Quitobaquito pupfish is the last remaining major population of fish at the Spring
Spring (hydrosphere)
A spring—also known as a rising or resurgence—is a component of the hydrosphere. Specifically, it is any natural situation where water flows to the surface of the earth from underground...
s.
Description
The Quitobaquito pupfish has a thick, chubby body with a superior mouth filled with tricuspid teeth. The scales have spine-like projections. The body colors of males and females vary. Females (and juveniles) have narrow, vertical dark bands on the sides of the body, with a disjoined lateral band. Although females (and juveniles) have silver bodies, the fins are generally colorless, with the exception of an ocellate spot on the dorsal fin, and sometimes, a dark spot on the anal fin. Mature, breeding males, however, have darker fins, attached to a light to sky-blue body. The posterior part of their caudal peduncle (tailside) is yellow or orange, and sometimes, an intense orange-red.
Compared to other pupfishes, the Quitobaquito pupfish has a larger head, mouth and body, but smaller fins and shorter caudal peduncle. The Quitobaquito pupfish also has a deeper head and longer jaw.
Range
As mentioned above, the Quitobaquito pupfish are restricted to Quitobaquito Springs. More specifically, these fish can be found in Organ Pipe Cactus National MonumentOrgan Pipe Cactus National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a U.S. National Monument and UNESCO biosphere reserve located in extreme southern Arizona which shares a border with the Mexican state of Sonora. The park is the only place in the United States where the Organ Pipe Cactus grows wild...
, in which there is also a concrete tank nearby where the fish are held.
Habitat
Quitobaquito pupfish are not restricted to small ponds and springs, where it prefers shallow water and heavily vegetated marsh. These pupfish can handle various fluctuations of water temperatures as well; including salinity levels three times that of seawater and temperatures exceeding 95 F (35 C).
Diet
The Quitobaquito pupfishes are omnivores, consuming all types of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plants.
Reproduction
The Quitobaquitaque pupfish chooses a territory to reproduce, but strangely, the female’s eggs are deposited randomly within that territory. Males have a distinct coloration that intensifies during breeding season.
Conservation
Due to habitat changes, predation and/or competition with nonnative fishes, and possible wind drift of harmful chemicals from nearby Sonora, Mexico, the Quitobaquito pupfish population is severely reduced in other areas; however, the population at the Quitobaquito Springs remains stable, but sometimes ranges from high to low numbers seasonally. Conservation efforts for this species includes maintenance of habitats by keeping them free of nonnative aquatic species, and observing population health frequently.