Pecos bluntnose shiner

Notropis simus pecosensis

SPECIES CODE: E04F V01

STATUS:

Listed Threatened with Critical Habitat on February 20, 1987 (52 FR 5295 5303). Recovery Plan completed on September 30, 1992.

Note: All descriptions are taken from the Federal Register (1987).

SPECIES DESCRIPTION:

The Pecos bluntnose shiner is a subspecies of Notropis simus, of the Cyprinidae family. This fish can reach lengths o up to 3.5inches (9cm), and live up to three years. The species feeds on terrestrial organic material, terrestrial invertebrates, detritus, and filamentous algae (NatureServe Explorer 2001).

REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT:

Information regarding reproduction and development is lacking.

RANGE AND POPULATION LEVEL:

Notropis simus historically occurred in the Rio Grande in New Mexico from El Paso, Texas north to near Abiquiu Reservoir on the Chama River, and in the Pecos River in New Mexico from the upper reaches of Avalon Reservoir north to 1 mile (1.6km) above Santa Rosa. The subspecies, Notropis simus pecosensis, was historically found in the Pecos River from just north of the town of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, downstream to the town of Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Notropis simus pecosensis is still extant throughout a large portion of its range, and is now known to occupy the mainstream Pecos River from near the town of Fork Sumner, New Mexico, downstream to the town of Artesia, New Mexico, a distance of 175 miles (282km). However, habitat for the species in this stretch is spotty and often marginal, and the present numbers of Notropis simus pecosensis are much reduced.

HABITAT:

In 1982, Notropis simus pecosensis was collected most frequently in the main stream channel, over a sandy substrate with low velocity flow, and at depths between 7 inches and 16 inches (17-41cm). Backwaters, riffles, and pools were also used by younger individuals. Natural springs, such as those in the Santa Rosa and Lake McMillan areas, also serve as habitat for Notropis simus pecosensis, and are sources of continuous water flow (New Mexico Department of Fame and Fish 1982).

PAST THREATS:

The most important factor in the species’ decline is reduced flow in the main channel of the river due to water storage, irrigation, and water diversion.

CURRENT THREATS:

Threats to the continued survival and recovery of Notropis simus pecosensis include restricted flow from reservoirs, water diversions for irrigation, siltation, and pollution from agricultural activities along the river. These habitat modifications have been detrimental to all fish species in the Pecos River, including Notropis simus pecosensis.

CONSERVATION MEASURES:

LITERATURE CITED:

NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. 2001. Version 1.6 . Arlington, Virginia, USA: NatureServe. Available: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: August 13, 2002 ).

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. 1982. The status of Notropis simus pecosensis in the Pecos River of New Mexico, with notes on life history and ecology. Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Endangered Species, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 53pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Determination of Threatened Status for Notropis simus pecosensis (Pecos Bluntnose Shiner). Federal Register (52) 34: 5295-5303.