Spottail darter (Etheostoma squamiceps)

Image source: jasonrl | inaturalist.org

General data

Main name: Spottail darter
Climates: Temperate
Habitat: Freshwater
Native: North America
Distribution: Mississippi River

Classification

Description

It is found in the Ohio River basin and in the Red River system of the Cumberland River drainage. It inhabits rocky pools and nearby riffles of flowing waters up to the size of small rivers. The spottail darter takes its common name from the three spots at the base of the caudal fin. This species can reach a length of 8.8 centimetres (3.5 in) TL though most only reach about 4.6 centimetres (1.8 in). The spottail darter inhabits quiet rocky pools of headwaters, creeks, and small rivers with either large flat rocks or with bedrock bottom; individuals hide in crevices and under ledges, and they may be in quiet riffles in late summer when water in pools is too low to provide cover. Eggs are laid on undersides of slab stones in shallow pools.