Fin's Fish Guide
The Desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Southwestern North America; springs, swamps and pools of desert streams.
Description
The desert pupfish is a small egg-laying toothcarp of the family Cyprinodontidae from the south-western United States and Mexico. The species grows to about 5 cm; breeding males turn bright blue, females are plain brownish. It occurs over mud or sand in springs, marshes, lakes and pools of desert streams. It is extraordinarily tolerant of extreme conditions: high temperatures, high salinity and low oxygen, an adaptation to its isolating desert habitat. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates. Owing to habitat loss it is listed as Vulnerable (VU). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Desert pupfish?
The Desert pupfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Exceptionally tolerant of heat, high salinity and low oxygen; spawning males bright blue, vulnerable (VU).
Where does the Desert pupfish live?
The Desert pupfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southwestern North America; springs, swamps and pools of desert streams.
How big does the Desert pupfish get?
The Desert pupfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Desert pupfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Desert pupfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Desert pupfish edible?
The Desert pupfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Desert pupfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Desert pupfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cyprinodon
More from the family Cyprinodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Desert pupfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Desert pupfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.