White Sands Pupfish

Inhabiting the basin of Tularosa Mexico, White sands pupfish (known as Cyprinodon tularosa) is now considered as an endangered fish species in the area due to anthropological and natural factors that affect the habitat.

White sands pupfish is a non-migratory freshwater fish that can be only found in the Tularosa Valley New Mexico USA. It grows with the average length of 3.3 cm to a maximum length of 5cm. It appears to have dark silver scales and truncate shape caudal fin. It usually feeds on detritus, small organisms, and even mosquito larvae. Spawning normally occurs from April to October and exhibits strong change in coloration.

(Image from Fishbase.org)

According to the New Mexico Wildlife notes, the introduction of non-native fish species in its habitat poses a threat to their existence as an intense food competition sets in. In addition to that, human activities such as groundwater pumping, pollution, habitat alteration, and missile debris impacts worsened the habitat condition. Moreover, another natural threat is the expansion of saltcedar, considered as an exotic tree that started to expand from 1950's. The expansion of this tree consumed much of the area of the habitat as it also drains the ponds and reduces the water level in the area.

(Image from wildlife.state.nm)

Protection and Conservation plan has been initiated in 1994 and was updated last 2006 by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands National Monument, and Holloman Air Force Base. The plan includes the implementation of the following such as; eradication of non-native fish species, monitoring the population, and educating the locals about the fish, research to increase the population, and limiting the possible threats.

Sources:
fishbase.org

New Mexico Wildlife