Several factors seem to have led to the extirpation of the Barrens topminnow from much of its range. Poor agricultural practices, primarily cattle grazing in the springs, and overuse of water resulting in a lowered water table probably account for many of the extirpations. Another seemingly important factor is the rapid spread of the western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, into the topminnow's habitat. Our observations are that where the mosquitofish are found, they soon out-compete the topminnows. The rapid spread of the mosquitofish may well be the result of the deteriorated water quality resulting from the misuse of the land. Whatever the causes, the fact remains that the Barrens topminnow would seem to be in imminent danger of extinction! 

CFI is teamed with the Tennessee chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Tennessee Cooperative Fisheries Unit of Tennessee Tech, the Tennessee Aquarium, local landowners and others to, hopefully, come to the aid of this unique killifish. Our primary role is propagation of the topminnows, along with surveying for existing populations.

We are also involved in the search for suitable sites for potential reintroduction within the historic range of the fish. We currently maintain four "Ark" populations at our facility. Two of these appear to be extirpated in the wild. Representatives of all four of these populations are also being held at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. Plans are also underway to establish one population at Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery.

Last year, sites were identified that could prove to be good habitat for Barrens topminnows. Several of these sites have undergone modifications to further improve the chances that the topminnows will thrive there. In looking for potential sites several considerations are taken into account. First, of course, the site has to be within the historic range of the fish. It has to have a permanent, spring-fed water supply. Sites where the mosquitofish are not currently known are preferable. And finally, there must be a cooperative landowner, willing to work with the recovery team in protecting the fishes habitat.

 This year, young Barrens topminnows will be released into a couple of these sites. Once stocked, their activities will be closely monitored. If mosquitofish are present, or if they find their way into these habitats, every attempt will be made to keep their numbers in check. Complete removal would be ideal!

One of the real keys to success for this project will be public education. Creating an awareness of this unique fish will, hopefully, instill a sense of pride in the community that their Barrens topminnow is found nowhere else in the world! There are also both federal and state incentives that can aid in fencing cattle from the streams, provide alternate water sources, and help construct environmentally friendly stream crossings (left).