Range and Identity
Etheostoma flavum occurs in selected lower Cumberland and Tennessee systems, including named tributaries such as the Harpeth, Duck and Buffalo. The distribution should not be extended to every tributary of both large river basins. Exact stream names preserve the more limited geographic picture.
Habitat and Behavior
Adults inhabit rocky pools and adjacent riffles in headwaters, creeks and small rivers. The two features can sit side by side while differing in depth and current. A field observation should retain which part of the channel was occupied rather than choose only one habitat label.
Food and Life History
The maximum reference is seven centimeters total length. The checked summary does not establish an independent maximum mass, detailed diet or complete reproductive calendar. A saffron common-name color does not provide the evidence needed to infer behavior from another similarly colored darter.
Field Note
Keep the tributary and immediate channel feature together. They make a record useful for both the restricted drainage identity and the pool-to-riffle habitat context of this fish.
All Lakes With Saffron Darter
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Saffron 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.