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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Darter cincotta

The rivers of the southeast United States support the greatest diversity of freshwater fishes in . Unfortunately, one-quarter of this region’s fish are considered imperiled. Conservation efforts are focused on the “Desperate Dozen,” the 12 species most likely to become extinct. One of these imperiled fish is the diamond

darter, so named for its sparkling Stuart Welsh/USGS nighttime reflections.

Life of a rare fish The diamond darter is a member of and young are born shortly afterwards. The only diamond darter population the family, but differs from most This is important information that field known to exist is found in the Elk other perch by their smaller size and biologists can use to help monitor the River of West Virginia. The Elk River more slender shape. Some darters, species. More information about the is one of the most ecologically diverse including the diamond darter, lack diamond darter is inferred from what is in the state, supporting over 100 fish a swim bladder. This characteristic known about the closely related species and 30 mussel species, but increases the of the fish and darter, Crystallaria asprella. For many threats loom for the remaining allows it to remain near the river example, based on the feeding habits diamond darters. , oil bottom with little effort. of the , biologists believe and gas drilling, timber harvesting, that the diamond darter also feeds all-terrain vehicles, improper sewage Diamond darters are translucent with primarily on stream bottom-dwelling treatment, and stream bank erosion silvery sides and a white belly. They invertebrates, such as mayfly larvae all occur in the Elk River watershed. are yellow-tan on the back, with four and other aquatic insects. Together, these activities compound the wide -colored saddle patterns amount and of pollutants flowing on the body, and have a dark blotch Going, going, nearly gone into the river, reducing the on the snout below the eyes. Adults Years ago, the diamond darter lived quality and degrading the habitat reach 3 to 5 inches. This species is throughout the basin in needed by diamond darters. found in large warm-water rivers with Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and West very clear water and extensive sand Virginia before the construction of Why care about the loss of one species? and gravel bars free of mud and silt. . But, after years of changes to Endangered species are indicators of Diamond darters are crepuscular, rivers by dams and river channeling, the health of our environment. The loss meaning they are most active at dusk the diamond darter is extremely rare of these plants and is a sign and dawn. They will lie on the river today. that the quality of our environment bottom looking for bottom-dwelling – air, land, and water – is declining. invertebrates. To hide from predators The widespread loss of this darter has Gradual declines in freshwater fish during the day, they bury themselves been caused by impoundment of rivers populations, such as the declining in the sand, leaving only their eyes from dams, siltation of the river bottom diamond darter, and sudden fish protruding. They may use this same habitat and poor water quality. Large kills are reliable indicators of water buried position to ambush prey. dams, changes to the river channel problems. If left untreated, and flow, and soil erosion from urban humans will eventually feel the effects Due to its rarity, little is known about and rural sources all contribute too as we breathe polluted air, lose valuable the life of diamond darters, but with much fine sediment entering the river topsoil to erosion, or get sick from current research on this species in and sinking into the riverbed. Fine swimming in polluted water and eating captivity, biologists are beginning sediments in the river bottom fill the contaminated fish. to learn more about them. Recently, spaces between the sand and gravel that scientists learned that females lay the diamond darter needs for protection eggs from late March through May, and to find prey and make nests. Ways you can help protect the For more information, contact: diamond darter West Virginia Ecological Services n Establish and maintain forested Field Office stream-side buffers to reduce and 694 Beverly Pike stop erosion. Elkins, West Virginia 26241 n Take measures to control erosion and 304/636 6586 storm water during and after land clearing and soil disturbing activities. Federal Relay Service Excess soil in our streams from for the deaf and hard-of-hearing erosion is one today’s greatest water 1 800/877 8339 pollution problems. n Be careful using and disposing of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fertilizers, pesticides and other 1 800/344 WILD chemicals. Remember, what you put http://www.fws.gov on your land or pour down the drain may eventually up in nearby October 2010 water. n Avoid crossing streams in all-terrain vehicles. n Support local, state and national clean water legislation. n Report illegal dumping activities, erosion and sedimentation problems. These activities affect the quality of our water, for drinking, fishing and swimming. n Participate in the protection of our remaining wild lands and the restoration of damaged ecosystems.