Official Status:

Life History:

Pupfish develop quickly, sometimes reaching full maturity within 2 to 3 months. Although their average life span is 6 to 9 months, some survive more than one year.

As spring approaches and the water warms, Pupfish become very active and begin their mating ritual. The breeding males become iridescent blue in color and defend their territory, chasing away all other fish except females that are ready to spawn. Spawning starts towards the end of February and continues through summer.

As temperatures become extreme toward summer, evaporation dries up most pools and streams, resulting in the death of most Pupfish. A few survive in the small number of pools, streams and springs that do not dry up completely.

Distribution and Habitat:

The Warm Springs pupfish is found in only six springs at a slightly higher elevation and west of Devil's Hole, Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nevada.

Threats:

habitat disturbance due to agricultural development, the water in which they dwell has been altered in the past, resulting in lower water levels

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