Range and Identity
Etheostoma punctulatum occurs in the Missouri and White river drainages of Missouri and Arkansas. An isolated upper Castor River population is also reported. That separate locality should not be expanded into a continuous range across all neighboring Mississippi tributaries.
Habitat and Behavior
The fish occupies rocky pools in headwaters and creeks, and less often in small rivers. Springs and accumulated debris are frequent habitat features. These sheltered pool settings deserve attention rather than automatically describing every darter as a fish of the strongest current.
Food and Life History
The compiled maximum is ten centimeters total length, with 5.5 centimeters listed as common. A detailed diet, independent maximum mass and complete spawning account are not established in the checked summary. Those gaps should not be filled using another Ozark darter.
Field Note
Include the spring or pool setting and exact drainage with an observation. Location is particularly helpful when comparing small fishes from neighboring but separate stream systems.
All Lakes With Stippled Darter
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Stippled Darter records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.