Devils Hole pupfish
Teufelskärpfling ( Cyprinodon diabolis )
The Teufelskärpfling ( Cyprinodon diabolis ) is a rare species of the genus Wüstenkärpflinge.
Description
The Teufelskärpfling is a living fossil from the Pliocene and lives in isolation for about 30000-50000 years. He was discovered in 1890 and 1930 scientifically described. It reaches a length of 2 cm to 3.4 cm. The main food are diatoms. In earlier times, the stock has been regulated mainly by the seasonal algae offer. In summer, when there was a lot of seaweed, has been increased to 500 to 700 animals in winter, with low algae offer he declined to 200 copies. The Teufelskärpfling spawns throughout the year, this can be rather prevented the complete Artbestand extinct.
Habitat
The world's only population is limited to a small limestone pool of 5 x 3.5 x 3 m size, above a hot water source ( Devil's Hole ) in Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nevada is located. Here, temperatures of 32 ° to 38 ° C. Devil's Hole is located at a depth of 15 m.
Endangering
This species is under protection since 1952. Main hazard is the change of habitat. A pumping station near Ash Meadows and the Hoover Dam have made sure that the water level stops rising, so that this species is threatened with extinction. In 2005 there were only 84 copies. In April 2006, the population fell to only 38 adult individuals and 11 juveniles. A census in April 2009 resulted in 70 individuals. The backlog increased slightly since then continue. Thus, only a short time were about 100 animals registered since the last survey. The slight recovery lead researchers back on a seasonal cooling of the water temperature, which is a more favorable climate for the reproduction of this species.