Golden darter


The golden darter is found in the upper Tennessee River, one of the 324 fish species found in Tennessee.

Identification

This species is similar to the Tippecanoe darter but has scales on cheek behind the eye, 2nd dorsal under the 1st dorsal fin. The golden darter also differs from E. tippecanoe in having scales on the cheek and in having the posterior nasal pore of the cephalic lateralis system well separated from the posterior nasal opening.

Range

The golden darter is extremely localized. It can be found in the Tennessee River drainage, VA, and TN. The species occurs in not more than 10 locations, and habitat quality is subject to ongoing declines. This darter is restricted to the Tennessee River drainage in Tennessee and Virginia. It has been collected from Copper Creek and the Clinch, Sequatchie, Duck, and Buffalo rivers.

Habitat

The golden darter prefers shallow gravel riffles in small to medium-sized rivers.