TUCSON, Ariz. — Five hundred Gila topminnow are now swimming in Agua Caliente Park's newly restored pond.
According to Pima County, the endangered species are small, 1-2 inch fish native to the greater Gila River watershed in Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Sonora, Mexico.
"Topminnow are in the same family as guppies, which bear live young, as opposed to laying eggs. Arizona Game and Fish and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and their partners have worked to recover Gila topminnow by establishing new populations within its historical range ever since the species was listed as endangered in 1967," Pima County said about the fish.
The fish were added to the pond after its conditions stabilized in recent weeks.
“This offers a way to educate the public about the breadth of native species that inhabit our unique Sonoran Desert environment and support of the goals of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan,” Karen Simms, Natural Resources division manager for NRPR, said.
In order to maintain healthy conditions for the Gila topminow, Pima County says it is imperative that the public not release pets or plants of any kind into the pond.
Also, as a general reminder, no fishing is allowed at the pond.
Agua Caliente Park is located at 12325 E. Roger Road. Construction of the pond was completed in February of this year.
