An attempt to spawn endangered Moapa Dace in captivity

Authors: Jack E. Ruggirello, Scott A. Bonar, Olin G. Feuerbacher

Year: 2013 (xlv)

Abstract

Moapa Dace, Moapa coriacea, are a critically endangered cyprinid endemic to the Warm Springs area of Clark County, Nevada. Because of its limited range, low abundance, and impacts from introduced species, Moapa Dace were federally listed as an endangered species within thirty years of being described. Moapa Dace have never been successfully held in captivity for any length of time. In an effort to develop a protocol for propagating Moapa Dace in captivity, we collected 40 fish in February 2013. We learned that Moapa Dace are sensitive to water quality conditions and their environment. Through the first month and a half in quarantine, we lost 29 due to bacterial and parasite infections; likely a result of stress from the new environment and development of biological filter. Once placed in the living streams we designed for breeding, their health stabilized rapidly. With no success thus far, to attempt triggering them to spawn we introduced different types of cover (e.g. artificial plants and overhead tarp), different sized substrates (i.e. sand, gravel, pebble, cobble, and boulders), adjusted the photoperiod, and performed simulated rain events. Looking into the future, we plan to perform another photoperiod adjustment along with a slight temperature change and if all else fails we may try inducing with hormones such as Ovaprim®.