| Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Laviniinae |
| 62 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
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benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous |
| North America: Colorado River drainage in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and California in USA; and Mexico. |
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Gila elegans can be distinguished from similar species Gila cypha by having terminal mouth, angle along anal fin base continues well above caudal fin, more slender caudal peduncle, smaller hump on nape, usually dorsal fin with 10 rays; and 75-99 scales on lateral line. Breeding males with red lower side and pectoral and anal-fin bases (Ref. 86798). |
| Inhabits flowing pools and backwaters, usually over mud or rock. Streamlined body may suggest occasional occurrence in swift runs (Ref. 86798). |
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Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 08 February 2012 (B1ab(v)+2ab(v); C2a(i)) Ref. (130435)
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| harmless |
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Extremely rare (Ref. 86798). Extant only in Green River, Utah and perhaps in some large impoundments of the Colorado River (Ref. 5723). Several factors contributed to the decline of bonytail populations in the Colorado River. These include habitat alteration produced by reservoir construction and predation by introduced species (Ref. 41720). Little recruitment has been observed for over 30 years (Ref. 41720). Also Ref. 3814.
Status of threat: endangered; status same as 1989. Criteria: 1,3, 4 (http://fisc.er.usgs.gov/afs/) (Ref. 81264). |
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