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The Slough Darter

Slough Darter is associated with quiet, muddy freshwater habitat. Vegetation is common where it occurs, and its attached eggs are left unguarded.

Range and Identity

Etheostoma gracile occurs in parts of the Mississippi basin and selected Gulf-draining systems, extending through portions of the Arkansas and Red regions. Peripheral records should retain their precise drainage rather than expanding the range to every neighboring stream.

Habitat and Behavior

The documented habitat is standing or slow-moving water over mud, often with vegetation. This differs from the fast rocky riffles often associated with darters as a group. A family-level stereotype should not replace the species-specific description of sheltered water.

Food and Life History

The reported upper length is six centimeters total length, with 4.3 centimeters as a common reference. Eggs attach to the substrate and are described as unguarded. A detailed diet and independent maximum weight are not established in the available summary.

Field Note

Record current speed, vegetation and bottom material together. Those observations explain why a quiet slough or backwater can support this darter even when a nearby rocky riffle looks more typical of other species.

All Lakes With Slough Darter

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Slough Darter records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.

Showing 1–4 of 4 lakes · Page 1 of 1

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