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Photo by Unknown Photographer
Photo Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Virgin Spinedace
Lepidomeda mollispinis
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G2
State (S-rank): S3
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Species range
The Virgin Spinedace is found exclusively in the Virgin River system. Its historic range was reduced and fragmented by dewatering and other human impacts. At its low point in 1994 the Virgin Spinedace only inhabited approximately 60% of its historic range. Through conservation efforts Its current range has increased to over 90% of its historic habitat including the Main Stem Virgin River, the Santa Clara River, LaVerkin Creek, Ash Creek, North Creek, Shunes Creek, Beaverdam Wash and Moody Wash.
Habitat
Virgin Spinedace habitat consists of clear, relatively cool, and swift streams with gravel or sand bottoms, preferring pools and runs with cover such as overhanging vegetation, undercut banks, or boulders.
Food habits
The virgin spinedace is an opportunistic omnivore that eats a variety of insects and insect larvae, including mayflies and midges, but also may consume plant material and organic debris when insects are scarce. They are drift-feeders, darting to the surface to catch prey in the midwater or at the surface.
Reproductive characteristics
The Virgin Spinedace spawns in gravel and sand substrates located at the downstream end of pools. During the spawning season, a group of males will patrol the shallow spawning area. When a female emerges from the deeper parts of the pool, the males converge on her. The spawn begins as early as April and continues through July. Peak spawning activity often correlates with the highest flows during the spring runoff. Laboratory studies have shown that flowing water is a necessary stimulus for spawning behavior.
Threats or limiting factors
Threats to the Virgin spinedace include: alterations of flow and dewatering of the Virgin River system, degradation of water quality (pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, etc.), and competition with non-native fish.
