Stone darter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stone darter |
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The stone darter (Etheostoma derivativum) is a small, freshwater fish. It's a type of ray-finned fish called a darter. Darters belong to the same family as perches, ruffes, and pikeperches. This fish is special because it lives only in certain parts of the eastern United States.
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Where Does the Stone Darter Live?
The stone darter lives in the lower part of the Cumberland River system. You can find it in southern Kentucky and north-central Tennessee. Scientists have found these fish in places like Todd County and Logan County in Kentucky. They also live in the West Fork Stones River in Tennessee. This river is actually how the fish got its common name, "stone darter"!
Other places where stone darters have been found include Whites Creek, Marrowbone Creek, Sycamore Creek, Louise Creek, Harpeth River, and Red River. They are native to these waters and live there all year round.
This fish was only recently recognized as its own unique species. Before about 10 years ago, people thought it was the same as another darter, Etheostoma virgatum. Because of this, we know its distribution is quite small.
What Kind of Home Does It Like?
Stone darters like shallow pools in creeks and small to medium-sized rivers. They often live near the edges of fast-flowing water called "riffles." They prefer areas with gravel and sand, especially if there are flat rocks on the bottom.
In larger streams, you might find them near plants growing in the water. They also hide under tree roots or in banks that have been worn away by the water. Sometimes, they live in slower riffles or gravel pools without much cover.
How Stone Darters Reproduce
Most darter species that are related to the stone darter have similar ways of laying eggs. They usually lay their eggs in shallow pools where the water isn't moving very fast. The male and female fish don't touch much during this process.
Nesting and Eggs
Adult male stone darters find a territory under a stone. This is where the eggs will be attached. The female fish turns upside down and lays her eggs on the underside of the rock, like a ceiling. Sometimes, the male will also turn upside down to fertilize the eggs.
Is the Stone Darter Safe?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the stone darter as a species of "Least Concern." This is good news! It means the fish is not currently in danger of disappearing.
Why Is It "Least Concern"?
Even though the stone darter lives in a somewhat small area, there are many groups of them. Their total population size seems to be large. Also, the number of stone darters appears to be stable, meaning it's not going down. There aren't any major threats to this fish right now.
