1. 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.