Watercress darter

The Watercress darter (Etheostoma nuchale) is a small colorful fish which lives in the Black Warrior River drainage basin near Birmingham. The largest known female is 2.5 inches in length.

The species can be found in the watercress zone of springs. They feed on snails, crustaceans and insect larvae. The species is endangered and is protected in areas such as the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge.

The fish was also discovered in the stream that runs in front of the Hawkins Recreation Center and through the Roebuck Golf Course in the 1980s. As a result, the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board agreed to stop using pesticides near the edge of the stream, which has increased the stream's fish population, including the watercress darter.

References

• Etheostoma nuchale. FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. March 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
• Bryant, Walter (March 6, 2007). "Birds, watchers flock to Roebuck." The Birmingham News.