The Big Bend gambusia is about 2 inches in length.
Life History: Aquatic invertebrates form the Big Bend gambusia's diet. It bears live young.
Distribution: Big Bend gambusia occur only in Big Bend National Park in west Texas .
Other: The Big Bend gambusia is known only from spring habitats near Boquillas Crossing and Rio Grande Village in Big Bend National Park. The population at Boquillas Spring died when the spring stopped flowing in 1954. The population near Rio Grande Village drastically declined between 1954 and 1956, after the spring flow was altered to provide a fishing pool. By 1960, the Big Bend gambusia could no longer be found at the Rio Grande Village location. The loss of this population was probably due to competition with the western mosquitofish and predation by the introduced green sunfish. The only wild population exists in a protected pond located in Big Bend National Park. All present populations of Big Bend gambusia consist of descendants of three fish (two males and one female) taken from the declining Rio Grande Village population in 1956. The major threats to Big Bend gambusia and other desert spring fishes include habitat loss from declining spring flows and reduced surface waters, competit
Habitat & Range
Clear, shallow spring-fed natural pools and marshes provide habitat for the Big Bend gambusia.
Life History
Aquatic invertebrates form the Big Bend gambusia's diet. It bears live young.
License & Regulations
A valid Texas fishing license is required for anglers age 17 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-residents, and short-term durations (1-day, 5-day, and annual). Freshwater and saltwater endorsements may be required for certain waters. Purchase online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or at authorized license retailers throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Life History
Aquatic invertebrates form the Big Bend gambusia's diet. It bears live young.
Habitat
Clear, shallow spring-fed natural pools and marshes provide habitat for the Big Bend gambusia.
Distribution
Big Bend gambusia occur only in Big Bend National Park in west Texas .
Regulations
Texas fishing regulations apply to Big Bend Gambusia. A valid Texas fishing license is required for anglers 17 and older. Bag and size limits vary by species and water body. Some species have catch-and-release only restrictions or special tournament regulations. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual for current regulations specific to your fishing location. Possession limits in Texas are twice the daily bag limit unless otherwise noted.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Fishing | License | License & Fees | A valid Texas fishing license is required for anglers age 17 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-reside | Link |
