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Home/Species/ White River Spinedace

Lepidomeda albivallis

Miller and Hubbs, 1960

White River Spinedace

G1Critically Imperiled Found in 17 roadless areas NatureServe Explorer →
G1Critically ImperiledGlobal Rank
Critically endangeredIUCN
LowThreat Impact
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.101984
Element CodeAFCJB20010
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
IUCNCritically endangered
Endemicendemic to a single state or province
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderCypriniformes
FamilyLeuciscidae
GenusLepidomeda
Concept Reference
Robins, C.R., R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea, and W.B. Scott. 1991. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 20. 183 pp.
Taxonomic Comments
Well differentiated from other members of genus. Referred to in published literature as Lepidomeda species or L. vittata by some authors (Lee et al. 1980).
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2022-06-29
Change Date1996-09-25
Edition Date2022-06-29
Edition AuthorsMiskow, E. NDNH (2022)
Threat ImpactLow
Range Extent<100 square km (less than about 40 square miles)
Number of Occurrences1 - 5
Rank Reasons
Restricted to a small area of spring habitat in Nevada; severe decline was caused by habitat alteration and harmful effects of exotic species, both of which still affect much of the designated critical habitat; area of occupancy and population size increased recently as a result of management actions (translocation of population to more favorable habitat).
Range Extent Comments
The White River Spinedace once occurred throughout the upper White River Drainage in Nye and White Pine Counties Nevada, USA. Presently this species is restricted to a single spring and outflow system at Kirch Wildlife Management Area, in Nye County, Nevada. The historical range included the White River just below the mouth of Ellison Creek, Preston Big Spring, Nicholas Spring, Lund Spring, Arnoldson Spring, Flag Spring, Cold Spring, Indian Spring, and it is presumed as far south as the White River 15 kilometers downstream from Flag Springs (USFWS 1994).
Occurrences Comments
A single known population exists.
Threat Impact Comments
This species occurred in at least seven locations in the 1930s but is now reduced to a single secure population in the wild (Scoppettone et al 2004). Principal threats resulting in loss of populations include habitat alteration (channelization, diversion of springs) and introductions of nonnative competitors and predators including Mosquitofish, guppies, and largemouth bass. Development and alteration of spring outflows has fragmented remaining habitats. Because of bright coloration and behavior this species is especially vulnerable to aquatic and avian predators. Potential future threats exist from proposed ground and surface water development projects. The majority of historical habitats for this species are on private lands which are not included under any type of agreements or easements which would assure long-term security and protection.
Ecology & Habitat

Description

White River Spinedace are bright brassy green to olive above, bright silvery on sides, and silvery white below, splashed with sooty on the sides. Anal and pelvic fins bright orange-red over most of these fins. Spinedace range in size from 30 mm to 100 mm. Some adults as big as 150 mm.

Diagnostic Characteristics

Distinguished from other Spinedace in having 5-4 teeth in main row, lateral-line scales typically fewer than 90, and melanophores extending well below the level of lateral line. Appears to be the most brightly colored of the four species of Lepidomeda, and is also the largest of the species attaining a total length of over 4 inches (Hubbs and Miller 1960).

Habitat

The White River Spinedace occurs in cool, clear springs and their outflow systems, over sand and gravel substrate. It seems to prefer shallow areas (0.5-1.5 m (1.6-4.9 ft) deep) (Lee et al. 1980). The most common aquatic plants in its habitat are watercress, pondweed, rush, pondweed, and cattail. Surrounding vegetation is needed for shade and as habitat for insects upon which the Spinedace feeds (Matthews and Moseley 1990). Scoppettone et al. (2004) found that White River Spinedace in streams orient near the bottom but frequently move up in the water column to strike at drift items. Larvae occurred near the surface and in much shallower and slower water than that used by adults and juveniles.

Ecology

The White River Spinedace is believed to have evolved in clear, cool waters within Pluvial White River System, NV (Lee et al. 1980). When the White River Spinedace was first collected in the 1930's, they occupied habitats in 18-22 C water. Other available data on discharge rates of spring outflows, dissolved oxygen levels historically occupied by this species indicate relatively similar temperatures among springs, but disparate discharge rates and oxygen values. The most common aquatic plants in its habitat are watercress, pondweed, rush, and cattail. Surrounding vegetation is needed for shade and as habitat for insects upon which the Spinedace feeds (Matthews and Moseley 1990).

Reproduction

White River Spinedace are presumed to be spring spawners since spawning colors are observed during spring snorkel surveys in March and April. Life span is up to 12 years (Scoppettone et al. 2004).
Palustrine Habitats
HERBACEOUS WETLAND
Other Nations (1)
United StatesN1
ProvinceRankNative
NevadaS1Yes
Threat Assessments
ThreatScopeSeverityTiming
7 - Natural system modificationsRestricted (11-30%)Neutral or Potential BenefitHigh - low
7.2 - Dams & water management/useRestricted (11-30%)Neutral or Potential BenefitHigh - low
8 - Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseasesRestricted (11-30%)Moderate or 11-30% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
8.1 - Invasive non-native/alien species/diseasesRestricted (11-30%)Moderate or 11-30% pop. declineHigh (continuing)

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Roadless Areas (17)
Nevada (16)
AreaForestAcres
Bald Mtn.Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest41,598
CottonwoodHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest18,161
Currant - East SlopeHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest10,101
Grant - IrwinHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest11,196
Grant - ScofieldHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest3,265
Grant - WiregrassHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest8,541
Indian CreekHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest9,996
Lower TerraceHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest992
Red MountainHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest30,242
The Cove 1Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest2,847
The Cove 2Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest51
The Cove 3Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest1,728
Upper TerraceHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest120
Ward MountainHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest15,927
White Pine Mtn.Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest25,244
WilhoitesHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest11,297
South Dakota (1)
AreaForestAcres
Indian CreekBuffalo Gap National Grassland24,666
References (23)
  1. Clemmer, Glenn (Nevada Natural Heritage Program). 1997. Review and annotation of fish watershed distribution maps. Review requested by Ruth Mathews, TNC. 1997.
  2. Courtenay, W. R., Jr., J. R. Deacon, D. W. Sada. R. C. Allan and G. L. Vinyard. 1985. Comparative status of fishes along the course of the pluvial White River, Nevada. Southwestern Naturalist 30(4):503-524.
  3. Jelks, H. L., S. J. Walsh, N. M. Burkhead, S. Contreras-Balderas, E. Díaz-Pardo, D. A. Hendrickson, J. Lyons, N. E. Mandrak, F. McCormick, J. S. Nelson, S. P. Platania, B. A. Porter, C. B. Renaud, J. Jacobo Schmitter-Soto, E. B. Taylor, and M.L. Warren, Jr. 2008. Conservation status of imperiled North American freshwater and diadromous fishes. Fisheries 33(8):372-407.
  4. La Rivers, I. 1962. Fishes and Fisheries of Nevada. Nevada State Fish and Game Commission, Carson City, Nevada. 782 pp.
  5. Lee, D. S., C. R. Gilbert, C. H. Hocutt, R. E. Jenkins, D. E. McAllister, and J. R. Stauffer, Jr. 1980. Atlas of North American freshwater fishes. North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, North Carolina. i-x + 854 pp.
  6. Matthews, J.R. and C.J. Moseley (eds.). 1990. The Official World Wildlife Fund Guide to Endangered Species of North America. Volume 1. Plants, Mammals. xxiii + pp 1-560 + 33 pp. appendix + 6 pp. glossary + 16 pp. index. Volume 2. Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fishes, Mussels, Crustaceans, Snails, Insects, and Arachnids. xiii + pp. 561-1180. Beacham Publications, Inc., Washington, D.C.
  7. Miller, R. R., and C. L. Hubbs. 1960. The spiny-rayed cyprinid fishes (Plagopterini) of the Colorado River system. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Miscellaneous Publications 115:1-39.
  8. Nelson, J. S., E. J. Crossman, H. Espinosa-Perez, L. T. Findley, C. R. Gilbert, R. N. Lea, and J. D. Williams. 2004. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 29, Bethesda, Maryland. 386 pp.
  9. Page, L. M., and B. M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes: North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. 432 pp.
  10. Page, L. M., and B. M. Burr. 2011. Peterson field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Second edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Boston. xix + 663 pp.
  11. Page, L. M., H. Espinosa-Pérez, L. T. Findley, C. R. Gilbert, R. N. Lea, N. E. Mandrak, R. L. Mayden, and J. S. Nelson. 2013. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Seventh edition. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 34, Bethesda, Maryland.
  12. Page, L. M., K. E. Bemis, T. E. Dowling, H.S. Espinosa-Pérez, L.T. Findley, C. R. Gilbert, K. E. Hartel, R. N. Lea, N. E. Mandrak, M. A. Neigbors, J. J. Schmitter-Soto, and H. J. Walker, Jr. 2023. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Eighth edition. American Fisheries Society (AFS), Special Publication 37, Bethesda, Maryland, 439 pp.
  13. Robins, C.R., R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea, and W.B. Scott. 1991. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 20. 183 pp.
  14. Scoppettone, G. G., J. E. Harvey, and J. Heinrich. 2004. Conservation, status, and life history of the endangered White River spinedace, <i>Lepidomeda albivallis</i> (Cyprinidae). Western North American Naturalist 64:38-44.
  15. Scoppettone, G. G., J. Harvey, and S. Shea. 1992. Relative abundance and distribution of fishes in the White River Valley, Nevada with special emphasis on the White River spinedace (<i>Lepidomeda albivallis</i>). Manuscript. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fishery Research Center, Seattle, Washington.
  16. Sigler, W. F., and J. W. Sigler. 1987. Fishes of the Great Basin: a natural history. University of Nevada Press, Reno, Nevada. xvi + 425 pp.
  17. State Natural Heritage Data Centers. 1996a. Aggregated element occurrence data from all U.S. state natural heritage programs, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, Navajo Nation and the District of Columbia. Science Division, The Nature Conservancy.
  18. State Natural Heritage Data Centers. 1996b. Aggregated element occurrence data from all U.S. state natural heritage programs, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, Navajo Nation and the District of Columbia: Export of freshwater fish and mussel records west of the Mississippi River in 1997. Science Division, The Nature Conservancy.
  19. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1985. Determination of endangered status for the White River spinedace. Federal Register 50:37194-8.
  20. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1990. Endangered and threatened species recovery program: report to Congress. 406 pp.
  21. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1994. White River spinedace, <i>Lepidomeda albivallis</i>, recovery plan. USFWS, Portland, Oregon. v + 45 pp.
  22. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2010. White River spinedace<i> Lepidomeda albivallis</i> 5-year review: summary and evaluation. USFWS, Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, Reno, Nevada.
  23. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. Virgin River Fishes, Woundfin, Plagopterus argentissimus, and Virgin River Chub, Gila seminuda. 5 Year Review, summary and evaluation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Field Office, West Valley City, Utah. 137 pp.