Identification
Compared with related members of its species complex, Citico Darter has a relatively wider and deeper body and shorter paired fins. Breeding males show marbling or stippling in the middle of the second dorsal fin. Scale counts and fin-band proportions are important technical characters; overall darkness alone is inadequate.
Creeks and Reservoirs
Citico Creek enters the Little Tennessee system at Tellico Lake. Historical collections document the fish farther down the creek before reservoir inundation. Published work also records its former presence in Abrams Creek, where a 1957 fish-removal treatment eliminated several native fishes.
Propagation and Return
Conservation programs propagated fish from Citico Creek and reintroduced them to lower Abrams Creek, with stocking also documented in the Tellico River. These actions are part of the species’ recovery history, not proof of its abundance at every release site today. Monitoring is needed to distinguish release records from established populations.
Small Differences, Local History
This species was formally described in 2008. Older records filed under a related darter name need their locality and specimen details checked before being reassigned.
All Lakes With Citico Darter
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Citico Darter records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.