Where Does Desert Pupfish Live?

Desert Pupfish lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Desert Pupfish

Water type

freshwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow waters, often less than 1 meter (3 feet) deep.

Environment

Inhabits a variety of desert aquatic environments including springs, marshes, slow-moving streams, irrigation ditches, and ephemeral pools. Prefers areas with soft substrates (mud, sand) and often dense aquatic vegetation for cover. Tolerates extreme conditions: water temperatures from near freezing to over 100°F (38°C), salinities ranging from freshwater to hypersaline (up to 70 ppt), and very low dissolved oxygen levels.

Geographic range

Historically, the lower Colorado River basin, including parts of Arizona, California, and Baja California, Mexico. Current populations are highly fragmented and restricted to isolated springs and refugia, such as Quitobaquito Springs in Arizona, and various locations in Baja California.

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