🐟 San Antonio Zoo Makes History

First to Successfully Breed the Conchos Pupfish in Human Care

When most people think of conservation, they picture lions, elephants, or gorillas. But at the San Antonio Zoo, even the tiniest species get their time in the spotlight. Recently, the zoo’s aquarium team achieved a groundbreaking milestone — becoming the first in the world to successfully breed the threatened Conchos Pupfish (Cyprinodon eximius) in human care.

This incredible achievement earned San Antonio Zoo the 2025 Ex Situ Conservation Award from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), recognizing excellence in species care and breeding efforts that help prevent extinction .

A Tiny Fish with a Big Story

Native to the desert springs and river systems of West Texas and northern Mexico, the Conchos Pupfish faces growing threats from drought, agricultural water use, and habitat loss. Its wild populations are increasingly difficult to monitor as the region’s freshwater habitats dry up .

Recognizing the urgency, San Antonio Zoo partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division to establish an assurance colony—a safety net population to protect the species’ future. The effort began with 100 wild-sourced fish from the Devils River region, and today that number has more than doubled to over 200 healthy fish thriving at the zoo.

A Passion for Every Species—Big and Small

Craig Pelke, Director of Ectotherms at San Antonio Zoo, shared what the award means to the team:

“It’s remarkable to be the first to successfully reproduce this imperiled little fish in a zoo environment while creating a healthy assurance population with the goal of one day returning them to the wild. This achievement reflects the dedication and passion of our aquarium team… and shines a light on the ‘little guys’ of conservation.”

Zoo President and CEO Tim Morrow echoed that sentiment, saying the project demonstrates the zoo’s unwavering commitment to “securing a future for wildlife, no matter the size.” He added, “Every species plays a vital role in the planet’s balance, and this project is proof of how far we’ll go to protect them.”

A Legacy of Aquatic Conservation

This isn’t San Antonio Zoo’s first recognition for its conservation leadership. The zoo has previously been honored by ZAA for its pioneering work with endangered and extinct-in-the-wild Mexican freshwater fish species. Each success strengthens the zoo’s growing legacy as a leader in aquatic conservation.

To learn more about the zoo’s ongoing conservation projects—or to plan your visit—check out the San Antonio Zoo page on TexasZoos.com and see how you can help protect Texas wildlife.