Yaqui longfin dace
| Yaqui longfin dace | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Genus: | Agosia |
| Species: | A. chrysogaster sp 1 |
| Binomial name | |
|
Agosia chrysogaster sp 1 Baird and Girard, 1853 |
|
The Yaqui longfin dace is a small fish of the American Southwest and northern Mexico, and considered a form of the longfin dace. It is often referred to as Agosia chrysogaster sp 1.
The Yaqui longfin dace is similar to the Gila longfin dace, having the same average length of 3.5 inches and similar colors. Its silvery gray and olive color pattern is similar to the Gila dace, however the Yaqui longfin dace can sometimes have golden speckles along its body. The lower abdomen can be white as well. The Gila and Yaqui longfin daces both have black spots on their caudal fins, and both are fusiform. They also have a triangular dorsal fin with the absence of a dark spot.
In Arizona, the Yaqui longfin dace only occurs in the southeast, in Cochise County. However, it is also found in northern Mexico, as the fish migrate south to warmer waters during the winter months. The Yaqui longfin dace was re-introduced into the Yaqui River on the San Bernardino Wildlife Refuge and the Leslie Creek Wildlife Refuge including West Turkey Creek at Rucker Canyon. The Yaqui longfin dace has the same elevation restrictions as the Gila longfin dace, ranging only below 1484 meters, with records of up to 2030 meters. They are found in Desert Scrub to Madrean Oak Woodlands.
The habitat of the Yaqui longfin dace is identical to that of the Gila longfin dace, and it has the same wide range of water temperature preferences, being found from low and hot desert streams to mountain brooks with extremely cold water. They prefer brooks and streams that have sandy or gravely bottoms, typically with overhanging banks protecting them from predator or human observation. Their average water temperature preference is 23.89 degrees Celsius, with a water depth average of 0.18 meters. During water shortages, they seek refuge in algae and detritus mats of wetland habitats.
Yaqui longfin dace usually spawn in the spring from December to July, but extend the season into to September in low desert habitats. They reach sexual maturity within the first year of birth, and create depressions in the sand to hide their eggs. This helps them provide a safe place for development, allowing minimal disturbance from other species or predators. Studies have shown a positive correlation between fecundity and fish length, and it is suggested that the same correlation exists between male length and mating success.
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Wikipedia