Habitat Trouble for Desert Pupfish in Southwestern States
from the National Fish Habitat Partnership's 2015 Through a Fish's Eye Report
Summary
The Desert Pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) is a Federally listed endangered species found in shallow waters of rare desert springs, small streams, and marshes. The typical habitat includes clear water with aquatic plants or algae. These are difficult habitats for fish as they have high salinity water, high water temperatures, and low oxygen concentrations. Decline of the Desert Pupfish has been associated with dam construction, water diversions, groundwater pumping, pesticide drift, and encroachment of non-native vegetation such as Tamarix, also known as Salt Cedar. Salt Cedar can alter riparian habitats and the subsequent shading and roots can alter aquatic habitats.
Summary
The
Desert Pupfish (
Cyprinodon macularius) is a Federally listed endangered species found in shallow waters of rare desert springs, small streams, and marshes. The typical habitat includes clear water with aquatic plants or algae. These are difficult habitats for fish as they have high salinity water, high water temperatures, and low oxygen concentrations.
Decline of the Desert Pupfish has been associated with dam construction, water diversions, groundwater pumping, pesticide drift, and encroachment of non-native vegetation such as
Tamarix, also known as
Salt Cedar. Salt Cedar can alter
riparian habitats and the subsequent shading and roots can alter aquatic habitats.
The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) is partnering with the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) to produce the 2015 report entitled, "Through a Fish's Eye: The Status of Fish Habitats in the United States 2015". The information contained within this item is a product of NFHP. The Bureau is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy or the use of the scientific content within this item. This content is considered preliminary pending subsequent review and approval.
