Lollipop darter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lollipop darter |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Percidae |
| Genus: | Etheostoma |
| Species: |
E. neopterum
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| Binomial name | |
| Etheostoma neopterum W. M. Howell & Dingerkus, 1978
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The lollipop darter (Etheostoma neopterum) is a small, colorful freshwater fish. It belongs to a group of fish called darters. These fish are part of the larger family of Percidae, which includes well-known fish like perches. The lollipop darter is special because it lives only in the eastern United States. These tiny fish are usually about 1.4 to 2.4 inches (3.6 to 6.1 cm) long.
Contents
Where Lollipop Darters Live
Lollipop darters can only be found in a specific area. They live in the Shoal Creek system. This area is located in northwest Alabama and south-central Tennessee.
What Lollipop Darters Do
Lollipop darters prefer to live in calm, shallow, and clear water. They like places where the water doesn't move too fast.
These darters are carnivores, meaning they eat other small creatures. Their diet includes tiny larvae, different kinds of insects, and small crayfish. Larger fish are natural predators of the lollipop darter. Young darters, called fry, can also be eaten by crayfish.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Female lollipop darters are ready to have babies when they are one year old. Male darters take a bit longer, maturing at two years of age. They usually start to reproduce between March and May. If the water temperature isn't just right, they might wait to breed until conditions are better.
During breeding season, the male lollipop darter gets a special color on its dorsal fin. This helps them attract females. These darters are known as "egg-mimic darters." The male fish creates a small hiding spot under stones or other objects. The female lays her eggs in a cluster inside this spot. The male then fertilizes the eggs. He stays to protect the eggs after the female leaves. A male darter can mate with more than one female. If he does, he will guard all the nests he has made.
Protecting Lollipop Darters
The lollipop darter is currently being considered for a special list. This list is for species that are in danger of disappearing in Tennessee. In Alabama, it is already against the law to catch or move these fish.
The lollipop darter is considered a threatened species. This is because there are not many of them left. Also, they only live in a very small area. Their entire habitat covers only about 135 square miles (350 km2). Efforts are being made to help protect this unique fish.
 | Emma Amos |
 | Edward Mitchell Bannister |
 | Larry D. Alexander |
 | Ernie Barnes |
