Lepidomeda vittata Cope, 1874
Little Colorado spinedace
photo by The Native Fish Conservancy

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Plagopterinae
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: upper Little Colorado River system in eastern Arizona, USA.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 8-8. Anal fin with 8 rays; 89-105 (usually more than 90) scales on lateral line; pharyngeal teeth 1,4-4,1 or 2,4-4,2; rounded snout; large, terminal, fairly oblique mouth; and faint yellow-orange at paired fin bases in large male (Ref. 86798).
Biology:  Inhabits rocky and sandy runs and pools of creeks and small rivers (Ref. 86798).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 29 February 2012 (B2ab(ii,iii,iv,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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