Identification
Brown markings form six saddles across the back and irregular X-, C- or W-shaped marks along the sides. Breeding males darken enough to obscure portions of that pattern. The species was once classified as a form of Johnny Darter.
Substrate and Flow
Stable sand, silt and sand-covered bedrock characterize occupied stream reaches in the federal account. Surveys did not associate it with steep sections dominated by large cobble and boulders. A substrate description is therefore particularly useful for this species.
Breeding Observations
Males in breeding condition have been collected in April and May. The cited survey did not locate eggs or nests, so an elaborate nesting account cannot be supplied from that observation. The documented size exceeds 5.5 centimeters standard length; that wording is not an exact maximum.
A Threshold Is Not a Maximum
A source saying a fish reaches over a stated length establishes a lower bound for large adults. It does not justify replacing over with up to.
All Lakes With Cumberland Darter
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Cumberland Darter records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.