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
Identification Numbers
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.
Food
The Comanche Springs pupfish feeds on small invertebrates and algae.
Physical Characteristics
Common length for the Comanche Springs pupfish is 1.5 inches with the maximum reported length for this species being 2.4 inches.
Life Cycle
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.
Although most Comanche Springs Pupfish live for less than a year, they can actually live for up to two years.
Geography
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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