New records on the distribution of the Mexclapique, Girardinichthys viviparus (Bustamante, 1837) (Cyprinodontiformes, Goodeidae), an endangered species in Mexico

Abstract

The “Mexclapique” Girardinichthys viviparus, is a goodeid endemic to the Valley of Mexico basin. This species is endangered following habitat alterations due to urbanization and pollution in central Mexico over the last 70 years, which has contributed to its population decline. From collections in the aquatic systems of Tlaxcala, 160 juveniles and adults of G. viviparus were captured (17.9–53.4 standard length) in six sites located in the upper basins of the Moctezuma and Atoyac rivers and extended its distribution to the east of the state of Tlaxcala in the Tecolutla River basin. Its presence in these sites may be the result of the processes of expansion, adaptation and establishment that the species has had in central Mexico, as well as the intercommunication through artificial channels in some of these lakes. These new records of G. viviparus are vital as they provide information about the prevailing populations in habitats in a region that has experimented with anthropogenic activities conjointly with the loss of aquatic systems. Besides, the lack of aquatic biodiversity preservation projects in Tlaxcala does not guarantee its long-term conservation.