Dorsal and anal fins set far back on body. Head is dorsoventrally depressed with broad mouth. Jaws unequal, with lower projecting ahead of upper. Distribution Three described subspecies, all endemic to springs in Pahrump Valley, Nevada, U.S.A. Empetrichthys 1. latos from a single spring on Manse Ranch, E. 1. Abundance Only remaining form, E. 1.
Fish is extirpated from historic locality on Manse Ranch.
The spring at Manse Ranch was approximately 15 m wide x 18 m long and 2 m deep. Poolfish are omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of animal and plant matter. Reproduction Spawning peaks in spring, but may occur in any season if proper conditions are present. Threats The spring at Manse Ranch dried in 1975 because of excessive pumping of groundwater for agricultural development. Prior to loss of spring habitats, poolfish populations had been reduced by introductions of carp and bullfrogs.