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Railroad Valley springfish (Crenichthys nevadae) — Goodeidae

Railroad Valley springfish

Crenichthys nevadae
Family: Goodeidae

The Railroad Valley springfish (Crenichthys nevadae) is a freshwater fish of the family Goodeidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Railroad Valley springfish is a desert springfish (Goodeidae) found only in a few warm springs of Railroad Valley in Nevada in the United States. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, olive-green body with two rows of dark spots on the flank and lacks pelvic fins. Adapted to warm, mineral-rich spring water it snaps at algae, small invertebrates and mosquito larvae. Through its extremely small range the species is endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Railroad Valley springfish?

The Railroad Valley springfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Railroad Valley springfish live?

The Railroad Valley springfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. North America: USA

How big does the Railroad Valley springfish get?

The Railroad Valley springfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Railroad Valley springfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Railroad Valley springfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Railroad Valley springfish edible?

Yes, the Railroad Valley springfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Railroad Valley springfish (Crenichthys nevadae) — Goodeidae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
Railroad Valley springfish (Crenichthys nevadae) — Goodeidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Corey Lange, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Railroad Valley springfish (Crenichthys nevadae) — Goodeidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Corey Lange, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Railroad Valley springfish sourced
Scientific name
Crenichthys nevadae
Family
Goodeidae
Other names
Railroad Valley springfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Average length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
North America: USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Crenichthys

More from the family Goodeidae

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