Range and Identity
Etheostoma smithi occurs in selected lower Cumberland and lower Tennessee drainage areas of Kentucky and Tennessee. The compiled range specifies the Cumberland below the Caney Fork and the Tennessee from the lower Duck region downstream. Those boundaries should remain part of the geographic description.
Habitat and Behavior
Adults use rocky pools in headwaters, creeks and small rivers, as well as rocky margins of larger rivers and impoundments. These habitats emphasize rock structure without requiring every observation to come from a swift riffle.
Food and Life History
The upper reference is 6.2 centimeters total length. Foods include midge, mayfly and caddisfly immatures together with copepods and other small crustaceans. Eggs occur in clusters beneath stones, where males provide guarding behavior. This reproductive detail is directly described rather than inferred from another darter.
Field Note
Observe stone-associated breeding habitat without turning or removing occupied rocks. The underside of a stone can be an active egg site rather than simply unused shelter.
All Lakes With Slabrock Darter
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Slabrock 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.