Spring pygmy sunfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spring pygmy sunfish |
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The spring pygmy sunfish, also known as Elassoma alabamae, is a tiny fish found only in certain springs in northern Alabama. This means it is endemic to that area. It used to live in springs along the Tennessee River in Limestone and Lauderdale counties. This fish was first found in Cave Spring in 1937. But in 1938, that spring was flooded when the Pickwick Reservoir was built. People thought the spring pygmy sunfish was gone forever. But then, in 1973, scientists from the University of Tennessee found it again! They discovered it in the Beaverdam Spring complex.
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What Does It Look Like?
The spring pygmy sunfish is a very small fish. It is usually less than an inch long. Male and female fish look different, especially when they are ready to breed.
Male Fish Appearance
Breeding male fish have bright colors. They are very dark with shiny blue-green stripes. These stripes run up and down their bodies. They also have shiny spots on their cheeks.
Female Fish Appearance
Female fish are not as brightly colored as the males. Their colors are more muted and less flashy.
Where Does It Live?
This fish loves to live in spring water. It also likes the wet areas around springs. These areas are called spring-fed wetlands. The most fish are found right where the spring water comes out of the ground. They also like the main pool of the spring.
What Does It Eat?
The spring pygmy sunfish eats small water bugs. These bugs are called aquatic invertebrates. Its diet likely includes tiny creatures like amphipods and isopods. It also eats the young forms of insects. These include mayflies, caddisflies, and midges.
Where Can You Find It?
This fish is only found in a few places. Its home range has changed over time.
Past Locations
In the past, this fish lived in two other places in northern Alabama. One was in Limestone County. The other was in Lauderdale County. The number of these fish has gone down. This is because of water pollution. There is also less water available. Large dams, called impoundments, have also caused problems. In 2013, it was listed as a threatened species. This means it is at risk of becoming endangered.
Current Locations
Today, the main group of these fish lives in Limestone County. They are found in the Beaverdam-Moss Spring/Swamp system. Building a new car factory there is a threat to them. However, an agreement was made to help protect them. This agreement was between the factory and the Center for Biological Diversity. For a while, people thought Beaverdam spring was the only place left for them. But in 2015, another group was found. This new group lives in the Blackwell Swamp. This swamp is part of the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Madison County.
Protecting the Spring Pygmy Sunfish
The spring pygmy sunfish and its home face many challenges. The water quality is getting worse. Also, there is less water available.
Water Quantity Issues
People might be using too much groundwater. This can lower the amount of water in the ground. It also means less water flows out of the springs. This problem affects the fish in the Beaverdam Spring/Creek system. It harms their habitat.
Water Quality Issues
The water can also get dirty. Chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers are used a lot. These can get into the water. Too many farm animals grazing near the water can also cause problems. This removes plants that protect the soil. It also increases dirty water runoff when it rains. This dirty water carries mud and chemicals into the springs.
Land Use Changes
How land is used around the springs is changing. Land once used for farming is now being built on. New homes and factories are being built. These new developments can create more problems for the fish. They can cause more stormwater runoff. This runoff can harm the water quality. It can also reduce the amount of water in the Beaverdam Spring/Creek system.
