The Balsas shiner (Notropis boucardi[1][2] or Graodus boucardi[3]) is a species of freshwater fish endemic to Mexico.[1][2][3][4]
| Balsas shiner | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Subfamily: | Leuciscinae |
| Clade: | Pogonichthyinae |
| Genus: | Notropis |
| Species: | N. boucardi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Notropis boucardi (Günther, 1868)
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Distribution and habitat
editEarlier believed to be widespread in the Balsas River drainage, recent studies have shown that it is confined to a small system of streams in the vicinity of its type locality near Cuernavaca, as well as an endorheic spring in nearby Jiutepec, both in the state of Morelos. It inhabits shallow streams with a rocky bottom.[1][4] The diet consists of insects such as simulids and chironomids.[4]
Description
editBalsas shiner have an elongated body and can grow to 12 cm (4.7 in) total length. The mouth is sub-terminal. The body is silver in color, slightly darker dorsally, and with a black stripe that runs from the eye to the caudal fin. During the reproductive season that peaks in the winter, the ventral region develops bright red coloration.[4]
Conservation
editBalsas shiner is considered threatened in Mexico, but its narrow range should qualify it as critically endangered.[4] Because of its small range, threats to its habitat, and the introduction of exotic species, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as "endangered".[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Contreras MacBeath, T. (2019). "Notropis boucardi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T191271A1974646. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T191271A1974646.en. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Notropis boucardi". FishBase. February 2024 version.
- ^ a b Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Graodus boucardi". Catalog of Fishes. California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Contreras-MacBeath, Topiltzin; Rivas, Juan Manuel (2006). "Threatened fishes of the world: Notropis boucardi (Günther 1868) (Cyprinidae)". Environmental Biology of Fishes. 78 (3): 287–288. doi:10.1007/s10641-006-0039-8. S2CID 38609805.