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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: Salt Creek Pupfish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Moyle (1976a); Page and Burr (1991).

Size: 7.8 cm.

Native Range: Salt Creek, Death Valley, California (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: Many of the early stockings were apparently part of a series of experiments to test the effects of changed environment on meristic and morphometric characters (Miller 1968). Some introductions were presumably for establishing additional populations of a rare species with limited distribution.

Status: According to Miller (1968) the Soda Lake introduction was one of two that proved successful. He found the pupfish to be abundant during a visit to River Springs in 1965. Similarly, Lee et al. (1980 et seq.) recorded the species as being established in both Soda Lake and River Springs. The other introductions apparently failed (Miller 1968).

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: Some authors (e.g., Minckley et al. 1991), recognize two subspecies, C. s. milleri and C. s. salinus; both are rare due to limited distribution. However, Moyle (1976a) and Page and Burr (1991), among others, treated these as separate species, C. salinus and the Cottonball Marsh pupfish C. milleri. The Cottonball Marsh pupfish inhabits Cottonball Marsh, adjacent to Salt Creek in Death Valley, Inyo County, California (Minckley et al. 1991; Page and Burr 1991).

References: (click for full references)

Lee, D. S., C. R. Gilbert, C. H. Hocutt, R. E. Jenkins, D. E. McAllister, and J. R. Stauffer, Jr. 1980 et seq. Atlas of North American freshwater fishes. North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, NC.

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.

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 4/11/2006

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.