Spikedace (Meda fulgida) and loach minnow( Rhinichthys cobitis) conservation in Arizona during 2007-2008

Authors: Anthony T. Robinson

Year: 2009 (xli)

Abstract

Arizona Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations, implemented a two-part conservation strategy for spikedace, Meda fulgida, and loach minnow, Rhinichthys cobitis, during 2007-2009: propagation and reintroductions. We began bringing spikedace and loach minnow from all remaining populations in need of replication into Bubbling Ponds Hatchery Research Facility. The hatchery serves as a refuge for populations, and fish are propagated and then stocked into selected streams in the Gila River Basin. To date, we have acquired spikedace from Aravaipa Creek in Arizona and the upper Gila River and West Fork Gila River in New Mexico, and have acquired loach minnow from the Blue River and Aravaipa Creek in Arizona, and West Fork Gila River in New Mexico. During 2007 through 2009, we surveyed but found no loach minnow in the North Fork East Fork Black River and Eagle Creek, and surveyed but found no spikedace in the Verde River or Eagle Creek. We will make additional attempts to collect fish from these streams in future years. Also during 2007 through 2009 we repatriated spikedace and loach minnow into four streams: Redfield Canyon, Hot Springs Canyon, Fossil Creek, and Bonita Creek. These mark the first reintroductions of spikedace and loach minnow since 1970; both species were stocked into Sonoita Creek during 1968 and 7-Springs Wash during 1970, but were extirpated. All reintroductions will be monitored for several years to determine if species establish populations.