Cyprinodon nevadensis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cyprinodon nevadensis
California
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Imperiled (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Cyprinodontiformes
Family:	Cyprinodontidae
Genus:	Cyprinodon
Species:	C. nevadensis
Binomial name
Cyprinodon nevadensis (C. H. Eigenmann & R. S. Eigenmann, 1889)
Subspecies
C. n. nevadensis C. n. amargosae C. n. mionectes C. n. pectoralis C. n. shoshone C. n. calidae
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The Cyprinodon nevadensis, often called the Amargosa pupfish, is a unique type of fish. It's part of a group known as pupfish. These small fish live only in very specific, isolated water sources. You can find them in the Mojave Desert in California and Nevada.

There are six different kinds, or subspecies, of the Amargosa pupfish. Each one lives in its own special place. Sadly, one of these subspecies is now extinct, meaning it no longer exists.

Discover the Amargosa Pupfish Subspecies

The Amargosa pupfish has several subspecies. Each one is adapted to its own unique habitat. These fish are endemic to their locations. This means they are found nowhere else in the world naturally.

Meet the Saratoga Springs Pupfish

• Cyprinodon nevadensis nevadensis, known as the Saratoga Springs pupfish, is the main subspecies. It originally lived only in Saratoga Springs. This spring is located inside Death Valley National Park. A group of these fish was moved to Lake Tuendae in Zzyzx, California. However, they might not have survived there.

The Amargosa River Pupfish

• Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae is called the Amargosa River pupfish. It used to live in two parts of the lower Amargosa River. In 1940, some of these fish were moved to River Springs in Mono County, California.

Protecting the Ash Meadows Pupfish

• Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes, the Ash Meadows pupfish, is an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. It is protected under the Endangered Species Act. This subspecies lives only in the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada.

The Warm Springs Pupfish

• Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis, also known as the Warm Springs pupfish, is also an endangered species. It lives in just six springs. These springs are located near Devils Hole in Nevada.

The Shoshone Pupfish

• Cyprinodon nevadensis shoshone, or the Shoshone pupfish, is a "Species of Concern." This means it needs special attention to ensure its survival. It is found in Shoshone Spring, near Shoshone, California. It might also live in parts of the Amargosa River.

The Extinct Tecopa Pupfish

• †Cyprinodon nevadensis calidae, the Tecopa pupfish, was declared extinct in 1981. This was a sad moment. It was the first animal to be removed from the endangered species list because it had completely disappeared.

Images for kids

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  Likely subspp. amargosae: This fish was photographed in May 2014 in the Amargosa River Canyon. The second fish from the left is a male, shown by his blue color, especially on his back.

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  This sign from the National Park Service is at Salt Creek in Death Valley National Park. It teaches visitors about pupfish.