Rush darter
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
The rush darter (Etheostoma phytophilum) is an endangered species of fish in Turkey Creek in Jefferson County, the Wildcat Branch of Clear Creek in Winston County, and in the Cove Creek watershed in Etowah County.
The brownish-yellow fish typically grow to two or three inches and are believed to have a lifespan of two to three years. They prefer marshy areas near cold springs and are likely descendants of the gulf darter, which is usually found below the fall line.
The rush darter was first identified as a unique species in 1999. It was added to the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service's endangered species list, effective September 8, 2011.
References
- Connell, Luke. (Date unknown.) "Tiny fish nets spot on state's protected species list." Birmingham Post-Herald. Accessed April 15, 2009 from OutdoorAlabama.com.
- Spencer, Thomas (August 10, 2011) "Alabama fish added to endangered species list." Birmingham News