FOUNTAIN DARTER Etheostoma fonticola (Jordan and Gilbert, 1886) 



Order: PERCIFORMES Family: PERCIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A small dark darter, usually with only one anal spine; 

 back with about 8 indistinct saddles; midsides with a series of short horizontal lines. 



Present distribution : Confined to Comal and San Marcos Springs and their outflows in 

 Hays and Comal Counties , Texas . 



Former distribution : Not known to be different from present distribution. 



Status : In a precarious condition because of restricted distribution and habitat 

 modification. 



Estimated numbers : 1,000. 



Fecundity : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline : Channelization of the outlet of San Marcos Spring. 



Protective measures already taken : None . 



Measures proposed : Protection of habitat in the outflow of San Marcos Spring, 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



Remarks : Data provided by Dr. Clark Hubbs, University of Texas, Austin. 



Reference : 



Hubbs, C. 1957. Distributional patterns of Texas freshwater fishes . S.W. Nat., 2 

 (2-3):89-104, figs. 1-2. 



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