Photos:: In the Mojave Desert, scientists work to save the rarest fish on earth

Biologists Daniel Bailey Gaines, left, and Olin Feuerbacher stand over the 100,000-gallon aquamarine tank that’s now home to endangered Devils Hole pupfish. Scientists are trying to establish a captive colony.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Olin Feuerbacher, biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, swims in the tank looking for Devils Hole pupfish offspring.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Biologist Olin Feuerbacher searches for Devils Hole pupfish babies.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The $4.5-million tank where the captive pupfish are housed mimics the shape of Devils Hole, their natural habitat.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Scientists at the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility are trying to establish a captive colony of the Devils Hole pupfish. Only five newborns have been detected in the tank in the last year.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Olin Feuerbacher, biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, searches through the algae for Devils Hole pupfish offspring.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Olin Feuerbacher, biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, swims through the $4.5-million tank where scientists are raising Devils Hole pupfish.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Olin Feuerbacher hands fellow biologist Ambre Chaudoin an egg recovery mat he retrieved from the tank. She will search the mat for Devils Hole pupfish eggs.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)