Listing
Mar 11, 1967
Mar 11, 1967 Listing (Endangered)
Endangered Species List - 1967
- Publication type: Final
Item 1
FWS Focus
Overview
Characteristics
Overview
The Comanche Springs pupfish was named after an actual spring that eventually dried up in the 1950’s.
Conservation actions implemented to help the Comanche Springs pupfish include the moderating of water level fluctuations and the building of a man made refugium and cienega in Balmorhea State Park in Reeves County, Texas.
The Comanche Springs pupfish was federally listed as an Endangered species in 1967 due to habitat loss and degradation, competition with non-native species and possible hybridization with the Sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus).
Scientific Name
Cyprinodon elegans
Common Name
Comanche Springs pupfish
FWS Category
Fishes
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Characteristic category
Habitat
Characteristics
Habitat
The Comanche Springs pupfish was named after an actual spring that eventually dried up in the 1950’s
This pupfish inhabits fresh water springs and associated marshes and canals. This species usually occurs over mud in a current. The Comanche Springs pupfish is well adapted to its harsh habitat and can tolerate a large range of salinities and temperatures up to 104.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
Characteristic category
Food
Characteristics
Food
The Comanche Springs pupfish feeds on small invertebrates and algae.
Characteristic category
Physical Characteristics
Characteristics
Size & Shape
Common length for the Comanche Springs pupfish is 1.5 inches with the maximum reported length for this species being 2.4 inches.
Characteristic category
Life Cycle
Characteristics
Reproduction
This species of pupfish has no distinct breeding season and can spawn throughout the year. Comanche Springs pupfish spawning occurs in various sites ranging from fast flowing water (spring outflows) to standing water. The male Comanche Springs pupfish has three mating strategies, (1) territorial defense, (2) satellite positioning and (3) sneak spawning.
Life Span
Although most Comanche Springs Pupfish live for less than a year, they can actually live for up to two years.
Geography
Characteristics
Range
The Comanche Spring pupfish historically inhabited two areas 90 miles apart within the Pecos River drainages within Texas. The Comanche Spring pupfish now resides in a small series of springs, their outflows, and system of irrigation canals and ditches in Reeves County, Texas.
Timeline
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3 Items