Some of Arizona’s native fish species have become so rare that they are now considered threatened or in danger of extinction. Not only are there fewer individuals of these species than there once were, but they are also found in far fewer locations.

One of the strategies used to conserve and recover rare fish species is to bring some fish from the remaining wild populations into captivity. These refuge populations are used to reproduce fish which can then be stocked back into wild locations. Captive populations have been established at hatcheries (Bubbling Ponds Hatchery Research Facility), universities, zoos, wildlife refuges, and in governmental and private ponds. This conservation strategy is being used for species such as spikedace, loach minnow, woundfin, Gila topminnow and desert pupfish.




For more information contact:

Tony Robinson
Gila River Basin Native Fishes Conservation Program Manager
Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway

Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000
Phone: (623) 236-7376          
E-mail: trobinson@azgfd.gov