THREATENED CSI ENDANGERED SPECIES DARTER ( cragini)

STATUS: Threatened in Kansas; Not on National List.

River basin in small prairie streams, and streams DESCRIPTION along the western ozark border. Its range extends into eastern , western and north­ The Arkansas Darter is a inch long member of eastern with its primary range within the family. It is a stout-bodied, short-headed, Kansas. Because of its specialized habitat this darter blunt-nosed darter. The gill membranes are separated is localized in distribution but often is quite common to form a deep V-notch on the throat. They are oliva­ where it does occur. ceous brown above and yellowish-white below with six to nine indistinct dusky saddles over the back. Breed­ REASONS FOR DECLINE ing males are a colorful orange along their entire bottom surface. This darter lacks any blue or green Arkansas Darters require clear, cool, spring-fed or coloration. (Fishes in Kansas, by Frank B. Cross and sand seep streams that are partially overgrown with Joseph T. Collins, 1975.) aquatic plants. Much of this type o f habitat has been lost as agricultural practices, muddy streams, or irriga­ LIFE HISTORY tion lowers water tables and reduces spring and seep flows. It has disappeared at its type locality, given as The Arkansas Darter is a stream fish. It feeds pri­ marily on small insects. Spawning probably occurs “ a small brook leading from the lake at Garden City from March to mid-June over shallow gravel. to the Arkansas River.” The brook and lake no longer exist.

HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT

The Arkansas Darter prefers the quiet clear-water The primary management need for the Arkansas pools of the smallest spring fed creeks or sand seep Darter is maintenance of remaining habitat. areas of larger sandy bottomed streams. Here it is Irrigation, diversion of water, siltation, chemical most often found along the margins of riffles and pollution, and construction activities have in the past, pools, associated with thick growths of emergent and in all likelihood will continue, to decrease this aquatic vegetation. It occurs only in the Arkansas unique habitat along with the darter populations.

Do something WILD! Nongame depends on your contribution. Mark the Chickadee Check-off on your state income tax. ARKANSAS DARTER

(Etheostoma cragini) Historic Range

▲ — Known Locations

t I — Probable Range (Current as of June 1981)