length. It has an incomplete lateral line that forms a pale stripe on the anterior half of the

body; this stripe arches slightly upward under the first dorsal fin. Body coloration is

typically mottled brown, with brown banding on the median fins, a distinct vertical stripe

below each eye, and three dark spots vertically aligned at the base of the caudal fin.

Breeding males have a blue marginal and a red submarginal band on the first dorsal fin,

and profuse orange ventral coloration from the belly to the caudal peduncle.

Coosa basin. The Coosa darter (

as the coldwater darter, but has a complete lateral line and prominent (vs. indistinct or

absent) dorsal saddles.

spring runs in the Ridge and Valley physiographic province (see photo below). They are

found in association with aquatic plants and organic debris in areas with slow or no water

current. Aquatic plant species utilized include watercress, milfoil, eelgrass, and aquatic

mosses. Many springs within the range of this species are unoccupied, probably because

they are too small or don’t have adequate aquatic plant coverage. Occasional coldwater

darter specimens have been collected in the Conasauga River near the Georgia-Tennessee

boundary. It is unknown whether these individuals represent river-dwelling populations

or strays from springs connected to the river.

spawning every year is essential to population persistence. Spawning may occur over a

prolonged period, from March through September, in the relatively constant water

temperatures provided by spring habitats. Females attach adhesive eggs to vegetation

and there is apparently no-post spawning parental care.

heavily vegetated areas.

and Alabama. However, a recent phylogenetic analysis concluded that the coldwater

darter comprises at least three valid species, one of which is largely restricted to Georgia

(Mayden et al. 2005; Boschung and Mayden 2004). Within Georgia, this species is

known from the Etowah, Conasauga, Coosa, Oostanaula, and Conasauga River systems,

but is presumed extirpated from the Etowah. Check the

watershed-level distribution map.

of this species in Georgia. Almost all populations are isolated from each other by long

distances, which limits opportunities for recolonization after local population loss. This

species requires vegetated springs, which are extremely vulnerable to water supply

development, recreational use and abuse, vegetation control practices (e.g., herbicides),

and development. For example, conversion to a concrete-bottom swimming pool has

probably eliminated the coldwater darter from one of the historic sites in Whitfield

County (Conasauga River system). Another site has received extensive sedimentation

from land clearing and cattle grazing around the spring and spring run. Without specific

protection, the coldwater darter is clearly vulnerable to extirpation as a result of the loss

of spring habitats.

documented from thirteen locations in the state. Almost all of these sites, along with other

springs with potentially suitable habitat for the coldwater darter, were surveyed by Bernie

Kuhajda and Rick Mayden in the early 2000s. Their data, along with 2 recent collections

from the Oostanaula system, documents persistence at seven of the thirteen collection

locations since 2000. The species is either extirpated or extremely rare within the

remaining sites. Based on the small number of extant populations and evidence of

population loss, the state of Georgia changed the status of this species from Threatened to

Endangered in 2006.

coldwater darter should focus on protecting and monitoring remaining populations.

Springs are vulnerable to contamination from runoff of sediment and pollutants,

excessive water withdrawal, and destruction. However, the localized nature of springs

also makes them relatively easy to protect. Large buffers of native vegetation should be

left around occupied springs and downstream spring runs. Any land-disturbing activities

occurring in the upstream watershed area should utilize best-management practices to

reduce sedimentation, chemical and nutrient runoff, and hydrologic alteration. Occupied

springs should not be stocked with predatory fishes. Although the range of this species

has been well-surveyed, the small size of springs and their occurrence on private lands

suggest the possibility of additional, undiscovered populations. The Nongame

Conservation Section maintains a database of known coldwater darter sites and can

provide guidance on when additional surveys should be carried out.

Boschung, H.T., and R.L. Mayden. 2004. Fishes of Alabama. Smithsonian Books.

Etnier, D. A., and W.C. Starnes. 1993. The fishes of Tennessee. Univ. Tennessee Press,

Knoxville. 681pp.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources. 1999. Protected Animals of Georgia. Wild.

Res. Div., Nongame Wildlife & Natural Heritage Section, Social Circle, GA. 247 pp.

Kuhajda, B.R., and R.L. Mayden. 2002. Status survey of the Coldwater Darter,

United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Mayden, R.L., K.E. Knott, J.P. Clabaugh, B.R. Kuhajda, and N. J. Lang. 2005.

Systematics and population genetics of the coldwater (

watercress (Etheostoma nuchale) darters, with comments on the Gulf darter (Etheostoma

swaini) (Percidae: subgenus Oligocephalus) Biochemical Systematics and Ecology

33(5) : 455 –478.

Mettee, M. F., P. E. O'Neil, and J. M. Pierson. 1996. Fishes of Alabama and the Mobile

Basin. Oxmoor House, Birmingham. 820pp.

Ramsey, J. S., and R. D. Suttkus. 1965.

subgenus

and Georgia. Tulane Studies in Zoology 12(3):65-77.

Seesock, W. C. 1979. Some aspects of the life history and ecology of the coldwater

darter,

Auburn Univ., Auburn, Ala. 70pp.

Utter, P. S. 1984. A taxonomic review of the darters referred to

Univ., Auburn, Alabama. 115pp.

B. Freeman-Original Account: 1999

K. Owers-Updates: January 23

fish atlas link, converted to new format

B. Albanese-Updates: Feb 11, 2009 general update of entire account.

An occupied coldwater darter spring in northwest Georgia. Photo by the Georgia

Department of Natural Resources.