"The potential threats to the species are just its rarity and — similar to most other native fishes in this part of the country — is the dual threats of loss of water ... and also nonnative invasive species," said Doug Duncan with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Duncan said scientists have known about the existence of the cream-colored fish since the 1980s, but until now, have not been able to do the scientific testing to determine that is different than other native fish found in the area.

Scientists hope to do more research on the fish in the coming year.