TRISPOT DARTER Etheostoma trisella (Bailey and Richards, 1963) 



Order: PERCIFORMES Family: PERCIDAE 



Significance : This species is of interest to ichthyologists as one specimen was collected 

 in 1947, one in 1954, and several hundred were found in 1969. 



Distinguishing characteristics : The lone specimen taken in 1947 was U inches long and 

 had three very distinct saddles or spots on its back . It is one of the few darters with 

 only one anal spine . 



Present distribution : In a few streams in the Coosa River drainage on the Talladega 

 (Alabama) and Chattahoochee (Georgia) National Forests . 



Former distribution : Unknown . 



Status : Scarce . 



Estimated numbers : Several hundred. 



Fecundity : Not known . 



Reasons for decline : Some of the habitat was flooded by Weiss Lake, a 45-square-mile 

 impoundment formed behind Weiss Dam, which is operated by the Alabama Power Company. 



Protective measures already taken : Collection of specimens has been restricted. 



Measures proposed : Preservation of the national forest streams . 



Number in captivity : None . 



Culture potential in captivity : Unknown . 



Remarks : Data submitted by Dr. William J. Richards, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, 

 Washington, D.C. and Dr. John S. Ramsey, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, 

 Auburn University, Alabama. 



References : 



Bailey, R. M. and W . J. Richards. 1963. Status of Poecilichthys hopkinsi Fowler 

 and Etheostoma trisella , new species, percid fishes from Alabama, Georgia, 

 and South Carolina. Occ . Pap. Mus . Zool . Univ. Mich. (630), p. 1-21. 

 Gilbert, C. H. 1888. Description of new and little known etheostomids . Proc . 

 U.S. Nat. Mus. (1887), Vol. 10, p. 47-64. 



. 1891. Report of exploration made in Alabama during 1889, with 

 notes on the fishes of the Tennessee, Alabama, and Escambia Rivers. Bull. 

 U.S. Fish Comm. (1889), p. 143-159. 



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