Meda fulgida Girard, 1856
Spikedace
Meda fulgida
photo by The Native Fish Conservancy

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Plagopterinae
Max. size:  9.1 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: Gila River system in Arizona and New Mexico, USA.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 9-9. Meda fulgida can be distinguished by the following characters: anal fin with 9 rays; pharyngeal teeth 1,4-4,1; scales absent; slender body, somewhat compressed at front, strongly compressed at caudal peduncle; slightly subterminal mouth on fairly pointed snout; large eye; pelvic-fin origin before before dorsal-fin origin; olive-gray to light brown above; brilliant silver side, often with blue sheen; back and upper side with black specks and blotches; and bright brassy yellow head and fin bases, yellow belly and fins in breeding males (Ref. 86798).
Biology:  Inhabits sandy and rocky runs and pools and often occurs near riffles of creeks and small rivers (Ref. 86798).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 13 April 2012 (B2ab(iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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