On the brink of extinction, the Laurel Dace (Chrosomus saylori) is one of the most critically endangered fish in the United States. With so few individuals remaining in existence and a plethora of obstacles working against them, biologists can often feel like they are fighting an uphill battle. Most of the time spent working with endangered species is dedicated to planning around these obstacles and discussing ever-present threats to the population. That's why staff at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery were thrilled to be contacted by folks at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga with a goodproblem--too many babies!
Following rescue efforts in year's past, staff at the Tennessee Aquarium were able to successfully spawn adults collected from the wild to produce hatchlings from two different populations; Youngs and Bumbee Creek in Tennessee. With the success of propagating more dace, came the need for more space! That's where Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery was able to step in. With several 300-gallon tanks cycled and ready, a plan was set in motion and dace were on the move! Of course, no Wolf Creek NFH task is complete without the help of our wonderful volunteers. In this case; Brad and Royanne Exline stepped up to be our fish-Uber; meeting with Tennessee Aquarium at a halfway point and getting the hatchlings to their new home. Approximately 350 young of year Laurel Dace were transferred to the hatchery where they will grow until they are big enough to be released into their distinctive water source and hopefully spawn successfully themselves.
We would like to thank Tennessee Aquarium for their commitment to conservation and partnership, and Brad and Royanne Exline for their efforts ensuring prosperity for this species.
For more photos, please visit our Facebook page at Facebook
