Big Spring Spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis pratensis)

The Big Spring Spinedace is endemic to Nevada, historically found only in Big Spring and its outflow in Pahranagat Valley, Lincoln County. Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1985, this subspecies faces habitat threats from water diversion and introduced species. The Nevada Department of Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manage recovery efforts, and public fishing or collection is prohibited. The species occupies spring pools and slow-flowing outflow channels with aquatic vegetation.