Cyprinodon macularius Baird & Girard, 1853
Desert pupfish
photo by Loiselle, P.V.

Family:  Cyprinodontidae (Pupfishes), subfamily: Cyprinodontinae
Max. size:  5 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 2 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7.5 - 8; dH range: 13 - 19
Distribution:  North America: lower Colorado River drainage, including Gila River system and south through southern Arizona and California, USA (including Salton Sea) into northern Mexico.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Usually occurs over mud or sand in springs, marshes, lakes and pools of creeks. 7.2 cm max TL (Ref. 5723). Not a seasonal killifish. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium (Ref. 27139). Also occur in hot springs with temperatures up to 45°C and salinities up to 20% (Ref. 13371).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 08 February 2019 (B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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