Bonytail (Gila elegans)
The bonytail is the rarest of the endangered, native fish of the Colorado River and is thought to have evolved around 3-5 million years ago. It has large fins and a streamlined body that is pencil-thin near its tail. Its name describes the fish as an elegant swimmer and member of the “chub” group of minnows. The bonytail has a gray or olive-colored back, silver sides, and a white belly.
Status and distribution:
- Listed as endangered and given full protection under the Endangered Species Act in 1980.
- Endangered under Colorado law since 1976.
- Protected under Utah law since 1974.
Growth
Bonytail can grow to 22 inches or more.
They are called bonytail because of their long skinny caudal peduncle (the area between the back set of fins and the tail fins).
Life Span
Bonytail can live up to 50 years.
Omnivore
Bonytail eat insects, plankton, and plant matter, very similar to omnivores that live on land.
Reproduction
Bonytail can reproduce quickly, sometimes after only 18 months.
Bonytail in hatcheries spawn together produce large numbers of offspring. This doesn’t seen to happen in the wild and we haven’t quite figured out why.
Migration
Bonytail move around a lot but don’t seem to migrate to specific places.
One traveled from a bay in Lake Powell, through Glen Canyon Dam and into the Grand Canyon!
Bonytail in Hatcheries
Because survival in the wild is so low, some of the best places to see bonytail are at our state and federal hatcheries where they are grown to reestablish wild populations.
