Cyprinodon nevadensis Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889
Amargosa pupfish
photo by Loiselle, P.V.

Family:  Cyprinodontidae (Pupfishes), subfamily: Cyprinodontinae
Max. size:  7.8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7.5 - 8; dH range: 13 - 19
Distribution:  North America: Amargosa River basin in Nevada and California, USA.

Six subspecies were recognized:
Cyprinodon nevadensis nevadensis, restricted to Saratoga Springs and adjoining lakes, Death Valley National Monument in California;
Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae, restricted to Amargosa River in California;
Cyprinodon nevadensis calidae, now extinct, in outlets of North and South Tecopa Hot Springs in California;
Cyprinodon nevadensis shoshone , in outlet of Shoshone Springs in California; ,br> Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes, in large springs in lower Ash Meadows in Nevada;
Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis, in small springs in hills around Devils Hole, upper Ash Meadows in Nevada.

Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occurs in springs, their effluents, and spring-fed ponds and lakes (Ref. 5723, 86798). Not a seasonal killifish. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium (Ref. 27139).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 22 November 2011 (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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