Crenichthys nevadae
Hubbs, 1932
Railroad Valley Springfish
G1Critically ImperiledGlobal Rank
VulnerableIUCN
MediumThreat Impact
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, https://www.usa.gov/government-works
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.103873
Element CodeAFCNB01020
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
IUCNVulnerable
Endemicendemic to a single state or province
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderCyprinodontiformes
FamilyGoodeidae
GenusCrenichthys
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.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2022-03-03
Change Date2022-03-03
Edition Date2022-03-03
Edition AuthorsMiskow, E. NDNH
Threat ImpactMedium
Range Extent1000-5000 square km (about 400-2000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank Reasons
Small native range in isolated springs in Railroad Valley, Nevada; where threatened by excessive groundwater pumping, continued water diversion and spring outflow manipulations, and introduced fishes.
Range Extent Comments
Railroad Valley Springfish are endemic to 8 thermal springs and outflows in the central portion of Railroad Valley near the Lockes Ranch area, the Duckwater Tribal lands; additionally several small, introduced populations in the Hot Creek Canyon area of Nye County, Nevada, USA.
Occurrences Comments
There are 8 native populations in two locations within the Railroad Valley Springfish's range. Four additional introduced populations exist outside of its known range.
Threat Impact Comments
Springfish habitats in Railroad Valley have been detrimentally altered, and some populations have been extirpated, as a result of diking, outflow diversion and channelization, livestock trampling, pumping of underground aquifers (decreases spring discharge), and/or introductions of non-native fishes. Effects of artesian wells and oil and gas exploration on spring discharges need to be assessed.
American Fisheries Society (Jelks et al. 2008) categorized this species as Threatened due to (1) present or threatened destruction, modification, or reduction of habitat or range; (2) other natural or anthropogenic factors that affect existence, including impacts of nonindigenous organisms, hybridization, competition, and/or predation; and (3) restricted range.
American Fisheries Society (Jelks et al. 2008) categorized this species as Threatened due to (1) present or threatened destruction, modification, or reduction of habitat or range; (2) other natural or anthropogenic factors that affect existence, including impacts of nonindigenous organisms, hybridization, competition, and/or predation; and (3) restricted range.
Ecology & Habitat
Description
A small two inch fish endemic to several thermal springs in central Nevada.
Diagnostic Characteristics
The Railroad Valley Springfish is a member of an unusual taxonomic group (Empetrichthyidae) comprised of the genera, Crenichthys and Empetrichthys, both endemic to the state of Nevada. Railroad Valley Springfish have distinct coloration from other Springfish species in the White River Drainage with single row of dark spots along the flank. They are yellow to olive to gray on the dorsal half of the body with a dark stripe extending along the dorsal surface from the head to tail and are silver on the ventral half. Railroad Valley Springfish lack pelvic fins and the dorsal and anal fins are set far back on the body.
Habitat
Habitat includes thermal springs and springbrooks, and adjacent marshes. This fish is able to tolerate high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen. Duckwater and Lockes Ranch springs have outflow temperatures of 32.3 and 37.3 C and minimum oxygen concentrations of 0.5 and 0.9 ppm, respectively (Lee et al. 1980).
Reproduction
Reproductive behavior has not been studied extensively, but is likely similar to the White River Springfish. Typically, Springfish spawn from Spring to early summer and into early fall. Reproductive behavior occurs when water temperatures are between 28-35 Celsius, maximum spawning activity at 30 C. Females average 10-17 eggs during an individual spawning event. After 5-7 days of incubation, larval fish hatch with an average length of 5.1 mm (Williams 1986). Young of the year have been found in late December and January indicating year round reproduction at times (La Rivers, 1962).
Palustrine Habitats
HERBACEOUS WETLAND
Other Nations (1)
United StatesN2
| Province | Rank | Native |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | S1 | Yes |
Threat Assessments
| Threat | Scope | Severity | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 - Agriculture & aquaculture | Pervasive (71-100%) | Moderate or 11-30% pop. decline | Low (long-term) |
| 2.3 - Livestock farming & ranching | Pervasive (71-100%) | Moderate or 11-30% pop. decline | Low (long-term) |
| 3 - Energy production & mining | Large (31-70%) | Unknown | High - moderate |
| 3.1 - Oil & gas drilling | Large (31-70%) | Unknown | High - moderate |
| 7 - Natural system modifications | Large (31-70%) | Moderate or 11-30% pop. decline | High - moderate |
| 7.2 - Dams & water management/use | Restricted (11-30%) | Slight or 1-10% pop. decline | High - moderate |
| 7.2.3 - Abstraction of surface water (agricultural use) | Restricted (11-30%) | Slight or 1-10% pop. decline | High - moderate |
| 8 - Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Restricted (11-30%) | Moderate or 11-30% pop. decline | High (continuing) |
| 8.2 - Problematic native species/diseases | Restricted (11-30%) | Moderate or 11-30% pop. decline | High (continuing) |
Roadless Areas (33)
Nevada (32)
| Area | Forest | Acres |
|---|---|---|
| Bald Mtn. | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 41,598 |
| Currant - Blackrock | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 3,694 |
| Currant - Box Spr. | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 508 |
| Currant - Broom | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 158 |
| Currant - Duckwater A | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 410 |
| Currant - Duckwater B | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 22 |
| Currant - Duckwater C | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 192 |
| Currant - Duckwater D | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 151 |
| Currant - Duckwater E | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 1,101 |
| Currant - East Slope | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 10,101 |
| Currant - Sawmill | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 5,364 |
| Devils Cave Ridge | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 7,791 |
| Four Mile | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 24,093 |
| Four Mile | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 24,093 |
| Grant - Burnt Cyn | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 126 |
| Grant - Horse Spr. | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 274 |
| Grant - Irwin | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 11,196 |
| Grant - Little Deer Sp | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 177 |
| Grant - Troy | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 3,826 |
| Lampson | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 10,730 |
| Morey - North | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 230 |
| Pogonip Ridge | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 6,629 |
| Quinn | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 62,459 |
| Red Mountain | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 30,242 |
| Shellback | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 36,455 |
| Shingle Buttes | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 2,418 |
| Table Mtn. - East | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 87,789 |
| Table Mtn. - East | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 87,789 |
| The Cove 1 | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 2,847 |
| White Pine Mtn. | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 25,244 |
| White Pine South | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 11,562 |
| Wilhoites | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | 11,297 |
South Dakota (1)
| Area | Forest | Acres |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Creek | Buffalo Gap National Grassland | 24,666 |
References (23)
- Clemmer, Glenn (Nevada Natural Heritage Program). 1997. Review and annotation of fish watershed distribution maps. Review requested by Ruth Mathews, TNC. 1997.
- Deacon, J. E., and J. E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the fishes of Nevada. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 97(1):103-118.
- Grant, E. C., and B. R. Riddle. 1995. Are the endangered springfish (<i>Crenichthys</i> Hubbs) and poolfish (<i>Empetrichthys</i> Gilbert) fundulines or goodeids?: a mitochondrial DNA assessment. Copeia 1995:209-212.
- 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.
- La Rivers, I. 1962. Fishes and Fisheries of Nevada. Nevada State Fish and Game Commission, Carson City, Nevada. 782 pp.
- 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.
- 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.
- Minckley, W. L., and J. E. Deacon. 1991. Battle Against Extinction: Native Fish Management in the American West. University of Arizona Press, Tucson. xviii + 517 pp.
- Minckley, W. L., G. K. Meffe, and D. L. Soltz. 1991a. Conservation and management of short-lived fishes: the cyprinodontoids. Pages 247-82 in W. L. Minckley and J. E. Deacon (editors). Battle Against Extinction: Native Fish Management in the American West. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Parenti, L. R. 1981. A phylogenetic and biogeographic analysis of cyprinodontiform fishes (Teleostei, Atherinomorpha). Bulletin of the American Museum Natural History 168:335-557.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spahr, R., L. Armstrong, D. Atwood, and M. Rath. 1991. Threatened, endangered, and sensitive species of the Intermountain Region. U.S. Forest Service, Ogden, Utah.
- 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.
- 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.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1985. Determination of threatened status for the Hutton tui chub and Foskett speckled dace. Federal Register 50(60):12302-6.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1996. Railroad Valley springfish (<i>Crenichthys nevadae</i>) recovery plan. Portland, Oregon.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2007. Application From the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe, Nye County, Nevada for an Enhancement of Survival Permit for the Railroad Valley Springfish. Federal Register 72(131):37539-37540.