OKALOOSA DARTER Etheostoma okaloosae (Fowler, 1941) 



Order: PERCIFORMES Family: PERCIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A small, medium to dark brown darter lacking breeding 

 tubercles. Lateral line moderately complete and slightly arched. A dark humeral spot 

 present. Lacking conspicuous red spots characteristic of the other member of the sub- 

 genus Villora, Etheostoma edwini . 



Present distribution : Five small streams which originate on Eglin Air Force Base 



and empty into the northwest corner of Choctawhatchee Bay, Okaloosa County, Florida. 



Former distribution : Same as above, but apparently occurred at more sites on the 

 five creeks . 



Status: Deteriorating from habitat destruction and possible competition from 

 Etheostoma edwini . 



Fecundity : Unknown . 



Estimated numbers : Probably less than 1, 500 . 



Reasons for decline : Road construction and siltation from forest clearing are destroying 

 the habitat in one stream. Another has a dam built on it which has apparently eliminated 

 the population above it. A dam had been proposed for a third stream, one of the two 

 largest in the range. 



Protective measures already taken : Recognized as an endangered species by State of 

 Florida . 



Measures proposed : Halt further dam construction and siltation . 



Number in captivity : Unknown . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Little known except mature adults placed in aquaria 

 spawned . 



Remarks: The streams in which Etheostoma okaloosae is found are very close to or in 

 the city limits of two moderate size towns; therefore, in addition to dam and road con- 

 struction, pollution may be exerting some stress on present population. A study is 

 being made at the present time to determine these effects . Data submitted by Maurice F . 

 Mettee , University of Alabama . 



References : 



Collette, B. B. and R. W. Yerger. 1962. The American percid fishes of the 



subgenus Villora . Tulane Studies in Zoology, Vol. 9, No. 4, p. 213-230. 

 Fowler, H. W. 1941. A collection of freshwater fishes obtained in Florida, 



1939-40, by Francis Harper. Proc . Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Vol. 92, 



p. 227-244. 



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