noun
- a small freshwater or saltwater fish found in desert springs and salt lakes, especially in the southwestern United States
Examples
- The desert pupfish has adapted to survive in extremely salty water.
- Scientists study pupfish populations in Death Valley’s springs.
- The endangered Devils Hole pupfish lives in only one location in Nevada.
- Pupfish can tolerate water temperatures that would kill most other fish.
- Conservation efforts focus on protecting pupfish habitats from development.
- The tiny pupfish plays an important role in desert aquatic ecosystems.