Distribution
Records extend across parts of the Mississippi basin from northeastern and upper midwestern waters toward Alabama and Arkansas. The Maumee drainage of Lake Erie also appears in the compiled distribution. A precise basin is more informative than a general interior United States label.
Riffle Setting
Rocky riffles in small to medium rivers are characteristic adult habitat. Current and substrate should both remain in a site description. A pool beside a riffle may be nearby geographically while providing different conditions for a small bottom-associated fish.
Length and Observation
The maximum reference is 9.6 centimeters total length, with a common length of 5.9 centimeters. Fin and body details can be difficult to assess in small photographs. Retaining a scale and the stream location strengthens comparisons without relying on size alone.
Record the River Reach
A riffle location, substrate description and river name together provide a better record than a state-level sighting of a small darter.
All Lakes With Gilt Darter
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Gilt Darter records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.