Wildlife Around Las Vegas, Salt Creek Pupfish (Cyprinodon salinus salinus)

Salt Creek Pupfish (Cyprinodon salinus salinus)
Fish Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas

Male and female Salt Creek Pupfish making more

Salt Creek Pupfish (Cyprinodon salinus salinus) occur only in Salt Creek in the bottom of Death Valley. During the non-breeding season, the color pattern on males and females resembles the sandy creek bottom in which they live: pale with darker irregular blotches and speckles. During the breeding season, females retain this cryptic (blending into the background) color pattern, but males lighten overall and develop bright colors on their fins. Males make themselves more subject to predation for the chance to impress the ladies and win an opportunity to breed.

When visiting Salt Creek, please stay on the boardwalk to protect the pupfish habitat.

Taxonomy: Family: Cyprinodontidae.

Male showing off to female during spring mating time	Salt Creek Pupfish in winter (non-breeding) color
Salt Creek Pupfish in winter (non-breeding) color	Salt Creek Pupfish in winter (non-breeding) color



How many fish do you see hiding under ripples? (three)	How many fish do you see hiding under ripples? (two)
Hiding under ripples	Hiding under ripples
Hiding among pebbles	Hiding among pebbles
Hiding among pebbles	Hiding among pebbles
Salt Creek Pupfish habitat along the boardwalk trail	Salt Creek Pupfish habitat: pool with algae along the creek
Salt Creek Pupfish hiding among roots on the edge of a pool	Salt Creek Pupfish hiding among roots on the edge of a pool

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.

; Last updated 221120

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