A native cyprinid endemic to San Francisco Bay-Delta. Populations have declined dramatically due to water diversions and habitat loss.

Native status: Native to California; state-threatened

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 20–45 cm
Weight200–800 g
LifespanWild 5–7 years
OrderCypriniformes
FamilyCyprinidae

§ Encyclopedia

The splittail, also called Sacramento splittail, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Leuciscidae, the shiners, daces and minnows. This fish is native to the low-elevation waters of the Central Valley in California. It was first described by William O. Ayres in 1854. It is the sole living member of its genus, the Clear Lake splittail P. ciscoides having become extinct in the 1970s.

Source: Wikipedia — Sacramento splittail Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Long slim silvery-bronze fish with distinctive asymmetric forked tail (upper lobe longer than lower); long body; small head.

Similar species. Other Cyprinidae species (different ranges or shapes). Sacramento Sucker (different family).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic insects, plant matter, organic detritus.

Behavior. Endemic to California's Central Valley estuaries (Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta). Population declined dramatically due to water diversions, habitat degradation, and invasive species. State-threatened; petitioned for federal listing. The "splittail" name refers to the distinctive asymmetric tail with longer upper lobe.

§ Range

San Francisco Bay-Delta

§ Habitat

Bay-Delta tidal sloughs

§ Threats

Water diversions, habitat loss, climate-driven changes.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the sacramento splittail is currently classified as Vulnerable.

§ What helps

Support Bay-Delta restoration. Reduce water diversions.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • USFWS Bay-Delta
  • UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences
  • IUCN Red List 2013