WATERCRESS DARTER Etheostoma nuchale (Howell and Caldwell, 1965) 



Order: PERCIFORMES Family: PERCIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A small, robust darter species, the largest known just 

 over 2 inches in total length. Breeding males with red-orange and blue fins and red- 

 orange on lower part of body. Lateral-line scales 35 to 42; lateral line incomplete, 

 12 to 24 pored scales . 



Present distribution : Known only from Glen Spring at Bessemer, Jefferson County, 

 Alabama, along county highway 20 (Black Warrior River drainage) . 



Former distribution : Probably was present in an adjacent spring destroyed by highway 

 construction . 



Status : Jeopardized. Proposed widening of Highway 20 would destroy habitat. Lowering 

 trend in water table may dry spring in a severe drought year. 



Estimated numbers : Probably less than 400 . 



Fecundity : Adequate if undisturbed. Breeding probably occurs continuously from 

 March through July. 



Reason for decline : Alteration of springs for public or industrial use . 



Protective measures already taken : Owner of spring property apprised of uniqueness 

 of form, sympathetic to protection. An attempt at introduction was made in a more 

 protected spring in the vicinity. 



Measures proposed : Determine willingness of Jefferson County highway officials to 

 conserve Glen Spring. Further attempt at introduction in nearby suitable habitat. 



Number in captivity : None . 



Culture potential in captivity : Unknown . 



Remarks : Observations of living specimens suggest high dependence on association with 

 watercress, Nasturtium officionale . Submitted by Dr . John S . Ramsey, Bureau of Sport 

 Fisheries and Wildlife, Auburn University, Alabama, with recent information provided 

 by Dr . W . Mike Howell . 



Reference : 



Howell, W. M. and R. D. Caldwell. 1965. Etheostoma (Oligocephalus) nuchale , 

 a new darter from a limestone spring in Alabama . Tulane Stud . Zool . , 

 Vol. 12, No. 4, p. 101-108. 



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