Rank Species | Phylum Chordata | |
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Similar Watercress darter, Vermilion darter, Cumberland darter, Yellowcheek darter, Holiday darter | ||
The rush darter (Etheostoma phytophilum) is a rare species of fish in the perch family; it is endemic to Alabama in the United States, where it occurs in three river systems. It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States on August 9, 2011.
This fish measures about 5 cm (2 in) in length. It is similar to its relative, the goldstripe darter (Etheostoma parvipinne), but with paler coloration.
The rush darter lives in clear, shallow waters where it shelters around the root masses of aquatic vegetation. It tolerates a variety of substrates, including sand, silt, and gravel. The fry develop in wetland pools. Little else is known about the fish's lifecycle.
This fish is currently known from three Alabama river drainages: the Clear Creek drainage in Winston County, some springs in Jefferson County, and Little Cove Creek drainage in Etowah County. Its total range is contained in 14.5 km of waterways.
This species is threatened by the degradation of its habitat from excessive sedimentation.