Gila Topminnow(endangered species)
Size: 1-2 inches
Once the most widespread fish in the Gila
River basin (including Santa Cruz River), the Gila topminnow now claims Cienega
Creek as its last stronghold in the United States. This guppy-like fish is good
at thriving in less than ideal water conditions and loves to feast on mosquito
larva. Males turn dark brown or black during the breeding season. Loss of
habitat and the introduction of non-native fish, especially the very similar
mosquitofish, have eliminated this species from most of its former range.
(non-native invasive)
Size: 1-2 inches
This small fish has been widely introduced
around the world for mosquito control. A very aggressive feeder and breeder, it
out-competes our native fish and will readily feed on young topminnows. This
species is considered the most pressing threat to the native fish community of
Cienega Creek, especially the Gila Topminnow population, and should be kept out
of the entire watershed. It is no better than the topminnow at controlling
mosquitoes, and perhaps less efficient.
(species of concern)
Size: 1.5 - 4 inches
A native minnow that is superbly adapted to
the dramatic fluctuations of life in Arizona streams. Dace thrive in fast-flowing
waters. Powerful swimmers, they are capable of escaping flash floods, yet when
the streams dry during droughts, they can survive for days in tiny stagnant
pools or wiggle into wet algae mats to avoid the hot sun. Longfin dace are the
only native fish in our area that has not yet been listed as endangered.
(endangered species)
Size: 1.5 - 14
inches
This is the largest of our Cienega Creek
fish. Gila chub are a shy species preferring deep pools where they are not easy
to observe. They are currently found in only a few other drainages in Arizona,
and Cienega Creek is among the most secure populations left. Loss of habitat
and introduction of non-native fish, especially green sunfish, has primarily
contributed to its decline.
(non-native invasive)
Although similar to the bluegill, the green
sunfish is better adapted to life in Arizona streams, and has invaded many of
our rivers and streams. Green sunfish eat native fish, frogs and eliminate the
water insects that are critical in natural food chains. Green sunfish are often
stocked in ponds by well-intentioned sportsmen but these fish wreak havoc with
native species, and usually become stunted and undesirable for angling.
Bluegill (non-native invasive)
Similar to
the green sunfish, bluegill are often stocked in ponds by well-intentioned
sportsmen but these fish prevent the establishment of native frog species. Worse
still, they avoid eating bullfrogs, but eliminate most of the predatory aquatic
insects that do eat bullfrog tadpoles, leading to huge bullfrog populations
that overwhelm the landscape. However, the bluegill is poorly adapted to life
in Arizona streams and cienegas, so is less invasive than the green sunfish.
(non-native invasive) A popular
sportfish this fish is prized for its size and aggressiveness. Both qualities
make it a dangerous predator to some of our smaller animals especially fish,
frogs and turtles. On the other hand, largemouth bass are the only fish that
does not always find bullfrog tadpoles distasteful. Bass are often stocked in
ponds by well-intentioned sportsmen. Like the bluegill, bass are only
moderately invasive in streams in southeastern Arizona, but when they do get
establish, they can rapidly drive other fish to extinction, which is what
happened to the last population of the Santa Cruz Pupfish, at Monkey Springs.
Bullhead Catfish (non-native invasive) Bullhead and
their larger cousins, channel catfish, are another set of sport fish often
stocked in large permanent ponds by sportsmen. Bullheads are very tolerant of
poor water conditions and pose a serious threat to Cienega Creek. They readily
feed on native fish frogs, tadpoles, fishes, and, possibly, young turtles.
Goldfish, Koi & Carp (non-native invasive)
Goldfish Koi
and Carp are popular with ornamental water gardeners and are a key component of
most lily ponds. Because of their popularity, they are both readily available
at most pet stores and pond supply stores. These fish are scavengers that eat native
frog tadpoles, but are less adaptable than the mosquitofish therefore a
potential alternative for mosquito control in a secure garden pond.
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