Drainage Range
The species occurs in the Tennessee River drainage and Bayou du Chien, a Mississippi tributary. These are distinct drainage connections. Keep the stream name with an observation rather than using the common name to infer a single continuous population.
Pool Habitat
Adults occupy rocky and sandy pools in headwaters and creeks, with additional stream records. Bottom cover is relevant to both shelter and reproduction. The occupied pool should be described directly rather than borrowing a fast-riffle-only habitat from another darter.
Egg Care and Size
Eggs form clusters on the undersides of stones and are guarded by males. The maximum reference is 8.9 centimeters total length, compared with a common value of 4.9 centimeters. Parental care is a documented species trait, not an inference from its unusual common name.
Leave Occupied Stones in Place
A male remaining beneath or beside a stone may be attending eggs. Observe the setting without disturbing the occupied cover.
All Lakes With Lollypop Darter
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Lollypop 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.