Barcheek Darter | Etheostoma obeyense

Status: IUCN: Least Concern

Threats: Agricultural practices, deforestation, endemism, habitat destruction, mining, and sedimentation (What do these terms mean?)

CFI Status: Propagated at CFI in 2016 propagation protocols as a surrogate species for the Buck Darter. (What do these terms mean?)

Native Range: Middle Cumberland River drainage from Big South Fork to Obey River, KY and TN

Spawning Habitat Preferences: Spring spawners; small pools in small to large streams; eggs are laid in clutches under large, flat, slab rocks.

Fun Fact: The species is named after the reflective panels on their face, which are thought to be used for communication between individuals. The shiny patch may allow them to catch stray light beams and signal to one another as they peek out from beneath rocks.

In Partnership With: Kentucky Department of Wildlife Resources; Kentucky Waterways Alliance; USFWS (Frankfort, KY)