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18 <br />status at this time is unknown, and studies should be undertaken,to determine <br />its abundance and distribution. <br />Lepidomeda albivallis: White River Spinedace <br />The spinedace is confined to several springs in the vicinity of Preston <br />and Lund. Their population status is unknown at this time, although collections <br />made in October of 1979 produced very few individuals. It is considered rare <br />in all habitats. Exotics are widespread in all springs and are undoubtedly <br />responsible for their reduced numbers. The deployment of the MX missile in <br />this valley poses a serious threat to this species. In view of the low numbers <br />throughout its entire rante, it should be listed as threatened or endangered. <br />Lepidomeda mollispinis pratensis: Panaca Spinedace <br />This subspecies was thought to be extinct until personnel from the Nevada <br />Department of Wildlife found a few individuals in Condor Canyon in late 1978. <br />Efforts should be made to establish a refugium for this subspecies and have it <br />listed as endangered. Little or nothing is known of the life history of this <br />animal, and field observations should be undertaken to establish needed infor- <br />mation. <br />Lepidomeda m. mollispinis: Virgin River Spinedace <br />The spinedace in the Virgin River is found mainly in those reaches of the <br />river in Utah and Arizona. Lepidomeda (as does Gila robusta seminuda) prefers <br />deeper water and apparently orients below clear water inflows of the tributaties. <br />The animal is not considered too abundant although a few instances are known <br />where large numbers of specimens were collected. The same general threats as <br />those listed under G.r. seminuda apply here. <br />Moapa coriacea: Moapa dace <br />This species is confined to the first two miles of the headwaters of the <br />Moapa River. It has experienced severe decline in numbers over the past <br />several years as a result of exotic fish introductions and habitat alterations. <br />Recently a refuge was established in the headwaters, and efforts to reintroduce <br />the fish are underway. Life history studies are underway at the University <br />of Nevada at Las Vegas and should be completed in the spring of 1980. Serious <br />threats are posed by the MX missile project and the continued use of water for <br />agricultural and industrial purposes. <br />Pantosteous clarki: Desert Sucker <br />This animal is currently very rare in all habitats in the White River <br />Valley and is in serious danger of extinction in this area due to exotic fishes <br />and loss of habitat. The populations in the Meadow Valley Wash area are of <br />unknown status, and field work is needed in order to make any further deter- <br />minations. The sucker is not extremely common in the Virgin River and is most <br />abundant in those reaches in Utah and Arizona. Further studies are needed on <br />this animal in view of the threats present to all of its habitats. Special <br />concern or threatened status is recommended. <br />Plagopterus argentissimus: Woundfin <br />This species continues to hold out in the face of major habitat alterations