Work Underway To Save Endangered UC Fish

The US Fish and Wildlife Service working to restore the Barrens Topminnow back in Upper Cumberland waters, one of the few places where the fish lives.

The fish has been considered endangered since 2019. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Biologist Abigail Harris said the species is endangered due to the non-native Western Mosquitofish.

“Back in the mid-20th century, they were introduced to central Tennessee and many other sites in North America in an attempt to control mosquitos,” Harris said. “But they since become quite invasive. The Mosquitofish actually will prey on young topminnows and harass the adults making it very hard for them to survive together.”

Harris said study shows when Mosquitofish are established, the Barrens Topminnow can be completely gone in three to five years. Harris said the Barrens Topminnow plays a huge role in the Upper Cumberland as the fish are only found in really clean water and a lack of them is usually an early sign of reduced water quality.

“They also eat and feed on mosquito larvae and other small insects,” Harris said. “So they can keep those at bay in the springs they are present in. They are also just very unique and they are rare fish, and so it’s something that is good to conserve and is something that is not found anywhere else.”

Harris said the Barrens Topminnow lives in mostly springs, streams, and rivers in the Upper Cumberland. Harris said residents can help in protecting the endangered species.

“I would say the biggest thing would be making sure you are not introducing non-native fish into any springs and streams,” Harris said. “Also reducing sedimentation and runoff and overall doing your best to protect water quality when you can, so just be mindful of what is going through the water. If you wouldn’t want to drink then fish probably don’t either.”

The Barrens Topminnow is a small fish that to this date has only been found in Tennessee.