White River springfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White River springfish |
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| Crenichthys baileyi moapae | |
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Cyprinodon macularius baileyi Gilbert, 1893 |
The White River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi) is a special type of fish. It belongs to the Goodeidae family, also known as splitfins. This fish is quite rare and lives only in a specific area of the western United States. You can find it in isolated warm springs within the White River area of eastern Nevada. This region is part of the Great Basin, a large dry area with many small mountain ranges.
This fish has two rows of dark spots on each side of its body. It doesn't have any pelvic fins, which are usually found on the belly of a fish. Its anal fin is quite large and has 14 rays. The dorsal fin, which is on its back, is set far back, right above the anal fin. It's a bit smaller than the anal fin and has 11 rays.
Types of White River Springfish
Scientists have identified five different types, or subspecies, of the White River springfish. These are all slightly different versions of the same fish, often found in different springs.
- Crenichthys baileyi albivallis – This is called the Preston White River springfish.
- Crenichthys baileyi baileyi – This is the original White River springfish.
- Crenichthys baileyi grandis – This one is known as the Hiko White River springfish.
- Crenichthys baileyi moapae – This is the Moapa White River springfish.
- Crenichthys baileyi thermophilus – This type is called the Mormon White River springfish.
What's in a Name?
The name Crenichthys baileyi tells us a bit about this fish. The first part, Crenichthys, comes from two words. "Creno" means "spring", which makes sense because these fish live in desert springs. "Ichthys" is a Greek word for "fish".
The second part of the name, baileyi, is a tribute to a person. It honors Vernon Orlando Bailey (1864-1942). He was an ethnologist (someone who studies cultures) and a naturalist (someone who studies nature) from the United States. He helped collect the very first example of this fish that scientists studied.
