Rush darter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rush darter |
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The rush darter (Etheostoma phytophilum) is a small, rare type of freshwater fish. It belongs to a group of fish called darters, which are part of the perch family. This means they are related to other fish like perches and pikeperches.
The rush darter is special because it lives only in the state of Alabama in the United States. It can be found in just a few river systems there. Because it is so rare and its home is shrinking, the United States government officially listed it as an endangered species on August 9, 2011. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
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What Does the Rush Darter Look Like?
The rush darter is a small fish, usually about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. It looks a lot like its cousin, the goldstripe darter. However, the rush darter has lighter colors.
Its body is mostly brownish. You might also notice orange or red spots around its eyes. These fish usually live for about 2 to 3 years.
Where Does the Rush Darter Live?
Rush darters like to live in clear, shallow water. They often hide among the roots of water plants. These fish can live in different types of river bottoms, including sand, soft mud (silt), and small stones (gravel).
When baby rush darters, called fry, are born, they grow up in wetland pools. Scientists are still learning more about the full life cycle of these interesting fish.
Rush Darter's Home in Alabama
Today, the rush darter is only found in three river areas in Alabama:
- The Clear Creek area in Winston County.
- Some springs in Jefferson County.
- The Little Cove Creek area in Etowah County.
All the places where this fish lives add up to only about 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) of waterways. That's a very small area!
Why Is the Rush Darter Endangered?
The main reason the rush darter is in danger is because its home is getting damaged. Too much sediment (like dirt and sand) washes into the water. This makes the water cloudy and can cover the places where the darters live and lay their eggs. This pollution makes it hard for them to survive.
When Was the Rush Darter Discovered?
The rush darter was first officially described by scientists in 1999. It was named by Henry L. Bart Jr. and Michael S. Taylor. They found the first known rush darter in a small stream that flows into Turkey Creek, near Pinson in Jefferson County, Alabama.
See also
In Spanish: Etheostoma phytophilum para niños
