Numbers of rare Devils Hole Pupfish in Death Valley double

DEATH VALLEY (KOLO) - Officials with Death Valley National Park say the number of Devils Hole pupfish in the park have more than doubled since last year.

Officials with the National Park Service counted 137 pupfish during an Oct. 10 population survey, more than double the 69 recorded in the fall of 2025.

The rare fish lives exclusively in Devils Hole in the park.

”It’s exciting to see Devils Hole pupfish numbers increase so significantly over the past year," said Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “These results reflect the dedication of our scientists and conservation partners working to protect this extraordinary species. While challenges remain, we’re encouraged by this progress and committed to its long-term survival.” 

The population remains vulnerable to environmental disturbances, particularly earthquakes that can generate waves in Devils Hole that can dislodge algae and other food sources from the shallow limestone shelf.

Two quakes in 2025 disrupted the habitat and contributed to population declines.