Drought rescue Barrens Topminnow

Six Barrens Topminnow were recovered from a drying up spring site in late 2022 and held in an isolated tank at Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery until September 2024. When they were transported to the science and breeding facility, Conservation Fisheries in Knoxville TN, 4 or 5 looked like they were pregnant. Since they are to fill the role of wild-take broodstock, this was an a significant bonus to the opportunity. Stress of transfer will make egg survival difficult, but if even partially successful, it will be a boon to the preserved genetics from the site.