Gila coriacea (Hubbs & Miller, 1948)
Moapa dace

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Laviniinae
Max. size:  9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: endemic to warm springs of Muddy (Moapa) River in southeastern Nevada, USA.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 7-8. Moapa coriacea is distinguished by its leatherlike skin resulting from having many small embedded scales, large black spot on caudal-fin base, fairly slender body, dorsal fin origin over or slightly behind pelvic origin, long rounded snout, slightly subterminal mouth, complete or incomplete lateral line with 69-79 scales, 8 anal rays (often 7), pharyngeal teeth 0,5-4,0. Color consists of olive above, broad dusky stripe along back, cream spot at dorsal fin origin, green-brown blotches along upper side, turquoise stripe above dark gold-brown stripe alongside (faint at front) Ref. 86798).
Biology:  Inhabits pools of Moapa River and feeder springs over gravel, sand and mud (Ref. 86798).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 02 March 2012 (B1ab(v)+2ab(v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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