Olive darter

The olive darter ( Percina ouachitae) is a small freshwater fish belonging to the Percidae family, which also includes perches and darters. It is endemic to the Ouachita Highlands region of the south-central United States, specifically found in streams and rivers within the Ouachita River drainage basin in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Description:

Olive darters are characterized by their slender, cylindrical bodies and relatively small size, typically reaching lengths of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm). They possess a pointed snout and large eyes adapted for bottom-dwelling life. Coloration is generally olive-brown to yellowish-brown dorsally, with darker saddles or blotches along the back. The sides are lighter, often with a series of lateral blotches or spots. Males can exhibit brighter colors, especially during the breeding season.

Habitat and Ecology:

These darters inhabit clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel or rocky substrates. They are benthic fish, meaning they spend most of their time on the bottom, foraging for insect larvae, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. Olive darters are sensitive to habitat degradation and require clean water and healthy stream ecosystems to thrive.

Conservation Status:

The olive darter is considered a species of conservation concern due to its limited distribution and sensitivity to habitat alteration. Threats to its populations include sedimentation from logging and agriculture, dam construction, and water pollution. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring its habitat.

Taxonomy:

Percina ouachitae was first described by D.G. Jordan and A.W. Brayton in 1878. It is a member of the genus Percina, which includes many other darter species found throughout North America.