Spring Pygmy Sunfish | Elassoma alabamae

Status: IUCN: Critically Endangered; USFWS: Threatened (2013)

Threats: Agricultural practices, climate change, development, endemism, habitat loss, and pollution. (What do these terms mean?)

Native Range: Springs and spring runs in Tennessee River drainage in Lauderdale and Limestone counties, AL

Spawning Habitat Preferences: Spring to summer spawners in shallow, stream-fed springs with low flow; eggs are laid in heavy vegetation

CFI Status: Propagated at CFI from 2008-present to hold an assurance colony. (What do these terms mean?)

In Partnership With: USFWS (Jackson, MS)

While we were contracted through USFWS through 2011, we have remained holding this ark population since then pro-bono (unfunded).