Shoshone pupfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shoshone pupfish |
|
|---|---|
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family: | Cyprinodontidae |
| Genus: | Cyprinodon |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
C. n. shoshone
|
| Trinomial name | |
| Cyprinodon nevadensis shoshone R. R. Miller, 1948
|
|
The Shoshone pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis shoshone) is a special type of small fish. It lives in California, United States. This fish is known for its large scales and a thin, flat body. Its belly area is not as curved as its back. It also has fewer rays in its bottom fins and fewer scales compared to other similar pupfish.
Contents
Where Does the Shoshone Pupfish Live?
This unique fish lives only in the Shoshone Springs. These are small springs that flow into the upper Amargosa River. You can find them in the town of Shoshone, in Inyo County, California. Both the town and the springs are in the Amargosa Valley, which is part of the Amargosa Desert. The springs are about 21 kilometers (13 miles) north of Tecopa, California.
A Fish Thought to Be Gone
By the late 1960s, people thought the Shoshone pupfish had disappeared forever. But in 1986, it was found again! Scientists discovered it living at the outflow of the Shoshone Springs. This was a very exciting rediscovery.
Is It Protected?
Even though it was found again, the Shoshone pupfish does not have special protection. It is not listed under the Endangered Species Act. This means its future survival is not fully confirmed or protected by law right now.
What Makes the Shoshone Pupfish Special?
Pupfish, including the Shoshone pupfish, are amazing survivors. They have many special features that help them live in very hot and salty water. These fish grow quickly and can have babies in just four to six weeks. This fast life cycle helps them keep their populations going, even if they are small.
Temperature Tolerance
Shoshone pupfish can handle a wide range of temperatures. They can live in water from 2°C (36°F) to 44°C (111°F). However, they like the water to be between 24°C (75°F) and 30°C (86°F). If the water gets too hot or too cold, it can affect their eggs. This means changes to their home that make the temperature too extreme could be harmful. Luckily, their eggs become strong against stress just hours after they are laid.
What Do They Eat?
Shoshone pupfish mostly eat tiny blue-green plants called cyanobacteria. They also munch on small bugs like midge larvae, tiny crustaceans called ostracods, and copepods. They spend all day, from sunrise to sunset, looking for food. At night, they become inactive and rest. Their digestive systems are very long and twisted. This special design helps them digest the tough cyanobacteria they eat.
