Distribution and Life History of a New Species of Minnow (Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori) in Virginia

In 1999, a new species of minnow, Clinch dace (Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori) was discovered in the Tennessee drainage of Virginia. The species is listed as a Federal Species of Concern and on Virginia’s Wildlife Action Plan as Tier II- Very High Conservation Need because of potential threats from habitat degradation, high population fragmentation, and a largely unknown distribution. Consequently, a management plan for Clinch dace is of utmost importance, but more information regarding species distribution and life history is required before such a plan can be implemented.  In 2011 and 2012, we sampled over 50 headwater streams in Russell and Tazewell counties, Virginia to determine Clinch dace occupancy.  At least 300 m of each stream was sampled via backpack electrofishing and habitat data collected.  Combined with previous collection records, over 200 locations in Virginia and Tennessee have now been sampled.  Clinch dace appear to be restricted to only eight small tributaries to the Clinch River and with a narrow, fragmented distribution, low populations sizes remain a cause for concern and viability is questionable.  A detailed analysis of life history and reproductive behavior is currently ongoing with the intent of comparing Clinch dace to other species in the Chrosomus genus.