Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Red River Pupfish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Hubbs et al. (1991); Page and Burr (1991).

Size: 5.8 cm.

Native Range: Upper Red and Brazos River drainages, Oklahoma and Texas (Page and Burr 1991).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Unknown. Echelle et al. (1977) speculated that the species was transported to the Colorado River drainage by bait-bucket or other artificial means; however, they could not completely discount the slight possibility that it was native to the drainage. Ashbaugh et al. (1994) suggested that introduced populations in the South Canadian and Colorado river drainages appear to have been derived from Red River parent stock. Its spread within the Canadian River drainage may have been aided by lower than normal peak stream flows during recent years (Pigg et al. 1995).

Status: Recorded and presumably established in an Oklahoma drainage and in two Texas drainages outside its native range.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Pigg et al. (1995) listed sites where this species was taken in the South Canadian River drainage.

References: (click for full references)

Ashbaugh, N.A., A.A. Echelle, and A.F. Echelle. 1994. Genic diversity in Red River pupfish Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis (Atheriniformes: Cyprinodontidae) and its implications for the conservation genetics of the species. Journal of Fish Biology 45(2):291-302.

Conner, J.V. and R.D. Suttkus. 1986. Zoogeography of freshwater fishes of the western Gulf Slope of North America. 413-456 in C.H. Hocutt and E.O. Wiley, eds. The zoogeography of North American freshwater fishes. John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY.

Cross, F.B., R.L. Mayden, and J.D. Stewart. 1986. Fishes in the western Mississippi basin (Missouri, Arkansas, and Red Rivers). 363-412 in C.H. Hocutt and E.O. Wiley, eds. The zoogeography of North American freshwater fishes. John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY.

Echelle, A.A., A.F. Echelle, and F.B. Cross. 1977. First records of Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis (Cyprinodontidae) from the Colorado and Arkansas River systems, Texas. The Southwestern Naturalist 22(1):142-143.

Hubbs, C., R.J. Edwards, and G P. Garrett. 1991. An annotated checklist of freshwater fishes of Texas, with key to identification of species. Texas Journal of Science, Supplement 43(4):1-56.

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, NC.

McNeely, D.L., W. Caire, A.L.N. Doss, V.M. Harris, and T. Rider. 2004. Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis, Red River pupfish (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae), established in the Cimarron River in Oklahoma. The Southwestern Naturalist 49(1):85-87.

Page, L.M., and B M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. The Peterson Field Guide Series, volume 42. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

Pigg, J., R. Gibbs, and G.R. Luttrell. 1995. Distribution of the Red River pupfish Cyprinodon rubroflaviatilis Fowler, in the south Canadian River in Texas and Oklahoma. Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science 75:59-60.

Pigg, J., R. Gibbs, and G. Cottam. 1997. A record of the Red River pupfish, Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis (Fowler), from the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River in Oklahoma. Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science 77:122.

Other Resources:
Texas Freshwater Fishes - Texas State University San Marcos

Author: Pam Fuller, Leo Nico, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 10/6/2011

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.