- SCIENTIFIC NAME
- Moapa coriacea
- CLASSIFICATION
- Fish
- LIFE SPAN
- 1-4 Years
- STATE CONSERVATION STATUS
-
- Priority Species
- FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS
- Endangered
- GAME STATUS
- Non-Game
- GAME TYPE
- None
- Washoe
- Humboldt
- Pershing
- Churchill
- Mineral
- Lyon
- Douglas
- Carson City
- Storey
- Elko
- Lander
- Eureka
- White Pine
- Esmeralda
- Nye
- Lincoln
- Clark
Habitat & Range
The Moapa Dace is found exclusively in southern Nevada, inhabiting the upper portions of the Muddy River and the warm springs that feed it. Remarkably, it is the only species in the monotypic genus Moapa, making it truly one of a kind.
- Rivers and streams
- Springs and springbrooks
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Invasive Species
- Predation
The Moapa Dace is a rare, federally endangered cyprinid fish found only in the warm springs and upper reaches of the Muddy River in southern Nevada. Like other desert fishes that inhabit thermal springs, it spawns year-round with a peak in late spring and early summer. Moapa Dace successfully breed in water temperatures of 86–89.6°F and must migrate upstream into thermal tributaries to spawn. They are omnivores, feeding on mayflies, caddisflies, worms, snails, plankton, algae, and bits of plants. While they primarily wait for drifting food to pass by, adults will also search through streambed gravels for meals.
Moapa Dace populations have declined due to habitat loss from groundwater pumping, competition and predation from non-native species, and reduced stream flows. Today, they are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Ongoing recovery efforts include habitat restoration, removal of invasive fish, and protection of spring flows to ensure their survival.
Fun Facts
OTHER Species
