The Tecopa pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis calidae) is an extinct subspecies of the Amargosa pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis). The small, heat-tolerant pupfish was endemic to the outflows of a pair of hot springs in the Mojave Desert of California.

How did Tecopa pupfish go extinct?

It is thought to have disappeared because of alteration of its habitat and possibly also as a result of the introduction of competing, non-native fish. One of 12 kinds of pupfishes in the U.S., the 1-l/2-inch Tecopa could tolerate highly Sal&e waters and temperatures up to 110 degrees.

When did desert pupfish become endangered?

The desert pupfish was listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on March 31, 1986. It is also listed as endangered by the State of Arizona. Desert pupfish are found in shallow water of desert springs, small streams, and marshes below 5,000 feet elevation.