Little Colorado River Spinedace - Jeffrey Phunmongkol
Description and Ecology of The Little Colorado River spinedace
The Little Colorado River spinedace (Lepidomeda vittata) is a ray-finned fish only found in Arizona. The spinedace, a member of the Plagopterini tribe, is represented by three other species, one of which is extinct, while the other two are monotypic genera, Meda and Plagopterus. All species of Plagopterini are listed as either threatened, endangered, or soon to be listed. The other species of spinedace thrive in extreme northwest Arizona (L. mollispinis) and in Nevada and Utah (L. albivallis and L. altivelis, Miller and Hubbs 1960; Minckley 1973; LaRivers 1962).
Figure 1 (EC Bar Branch)
Geographic and Population Changes
The Little Colorado River spinedace are endemic to the Little Colorado River and flourishes only in north flowing tributaries of the Little Colorado River in Apache, Coconino, and Navajo countries of Arizona. The LCR spinedace can be found in springs, streams, and rivers with persistent flow. They have a tolerance for wide temperature changes and habitat types.
Populations of the Little Colorado River spinedace tend to fluctuate significantly every year. This trend more than likely is reflected by cyclical periods of drought and/or increases in rainfall. It has been suspected that their population is declining due to habitat alteration from reduced stream flows and interactions with introduced fish species.
Figure 2 (Fish AZ)
Listing Date and Type of Listing
In 1982, the LCR spinedace was included in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) “Review of Vertebrate Wildlife for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species.” At the time, USFWS had substantial information to possibly put together a proposal to enlist the LCR spinedace as endangered or threatened. In 1983, the Desert Fishes Council petitioned the USFWS to list the species. After several years of review and evaluation, the spinedace was eventually listed as a threatened species in 1987 by the USFWS (Minckley, 1).
According to the Recovery Plan, the LCR spinedace was expected to be delisted in 2007 if the delisting criteria was met. Today, it is still listed as a threatened species (ECOS).
Threats to the LCR spinedace
The survival of the LCR spinedace is threatened by habitat loss, modification, competition and predation from non-native fish and introduced parasites. There are many factors contributing to the decline of the LCR spinedace. Factors include changes in streamflow patterns, decline in water quality/quantity, changes of watersheds (logging, dams, road construction), control of fish populations (by way of chemicals and more) and interactions with introduced fishes.
Recovery Plan
The recovery plan seeks to delist the species from being threatened. Prior to doing so, natural populations and habits need to be secured. Reestablishment and monitoring of all populations need to occur. Habitat requirements of the Little Colorado River Spinedace need to be defined. In addition, genetic information and pedigree need to be developed. Once all these actions have taken place, the public can be informed and the LCR spinedace will be delisted from the threatened species.
What can you do?
The first step of the Recovery Plan is to protect existing populations of spinedace. This is tough as the Little Colorado River spinedace population is rather sporadic and occurs in various locations. The next step would be to prioritize existing and new populations as to need for protection. If there was a specific area where LCR spinedace population is abundant, special measures to protect these areas to maintain the LCR spinedace population. Perhaps acquiring land or water where it is REQUIRED to protect spinedace. And lastly, informing appropriate agencies and/or individuals of conserving spinedace population. The LCR spinedace population is spread out broadly but simply promoting spinedace awareness to the right people in the right places can help with conserving the species.
Sources
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Species Profile
Little Colorado River Spinedace Recovery Plan
Figure 1 - EC Bar Ranch
Figure 2 - Fish AZ
It’s very interesting that the Little Colorado River Spinedace is only found in Arizona and not anywhere else. As you have mentioned, having a species only in one area makes it harder to recover them back to the population they once were. This fish does not have any special characteristics in terms of how looks based on the pictures on your blog. Therefore, it’s good thing you showed pictures so people can become more aware that this particular fish, who looks similar to others, is endangered.
ReplyDeleteVictoria Plumb
It's sad to read how Plagopterini tribe have all their species population to be in terrible conditions but it's also interesting that their population is found in only one specific state. With that being, have a species endemic in one certain region it makes it harder to create a bigger gene pool for this species. Although, being able to adapt to different temperatures and habitat types must make it easier to move them to different locations in where more of their population is located at. It's also sad to read that this species was suppose to be delisted according to their recovery plan but are still on the list since not much progress has occurred.
ReplyDelete-Alejandrina Perez
I thought that your choice was really interesting and unique. I like that the fish is only found in Arizona is seems to be very unique. I thought your content was thoughtful and informative but there wasnt so much that it felt daunting. Overall really great organization and description of the fish, its habitat, and the problems it faces. Well done. -William Motluk Bewley
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that you chose a fish because there were not many blogs done on fish and a large number of their species are endangered. It makes sense that it is endangered because it is only found in one area. I would have liked to know a little more information about it and the reasons it is endangered, but the essential information was present.
ReplyDelete- Skylar Millard
I found it interesting that the Little Colorado Spinedace is listed as a threatened species even though it has a big tolerance for temperature and habitat changes, however it makes sense since it is only found in certain waters in Arizona. I also enjoyed how you planned out the recovery steps and gave pros and cons to each method of helping the species become no longer listed as threatened.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Neill
The name of this fish is really interesting! I think its harder for them because they only flourish in one specific area! Also, your blog doesn't say, but are these fish small? They look smaller than an average fish so size probably has a lot to do with it too!! This was a really cool blog post, though, and appreciate that it was done on a fish!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Gabi Morgan
They have a very interesting appearance and that they are only found in Arizona. It seems like a majority of aquatic species that are endangered is due to invasive species. Hopefully, something can be done to save the Little Colorado River Spinedace.
ReplyDelete-Jordi Oliver