These darters prefer calm pools and the slower, shallower sections of streams, often found over smooth bedrock or soft, sandy bottoms. Nestled within deep forests, these tranquil waterways remain shaded and cool, providing the perfect refuge for a species that thrives in peaceful, undisturbed environments.

Life hasn’t been easy for the Cumberland Darter. Their biggest challenge is habitat destruction caused by human activities like coal mining, logging, farming, and urban development. These activities stir up sediment and disrupt the natural flow of their streams, filling in the sandy spots where they live and breed. It’s a tough situation for a fish that depends on such specific conditions.

From 2009 to 2015, we had the privilege of working with the Cumberland Darter. Partnering with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, we developed captive breeding techniques to help bring these little fish back to restored streams. Over six years, we raised and released nearly 5,000 Cumberland Darters into protected habitats. We are happy to continue to be a part of the recovery and monitoring of this species. It’s heartening to know that nearly a decade later, these restored streams are still home to thriving populations of darters—a true success story.

Through our work, we’ve learned some exciting things about these darters. During the spawning season, the males become fierce protectors of their nest rocks, where females come to lay their eggs. The more eggs on his rock, the more likely other females are to add theirs, creating a genetically diverse nest. Males even care for the eggs, grooming them and removing any that don’t develop properly to increase the likelihood that the rest survive. Rival males may take over an egg-filled nest, hoping to attract more females—it’s a competitive but fascinating process.

One surprising discovery was how easy they were to collect in winter. Unlike many other fish that hunker down in cooler weather, Cumberland Darters rest openly on bedrock during the colder months.

We also tagged our darters with visual implant elastomer tags (VIE tags) to track their movements. Some of these fish amazed us by traveling over a kilometer upstream, an incredible journey for a creature their size! During breeding season, males guarding their nests can turn almost completely black—a striking transformation that shows just how dedicated they are to protecting their eggs and attracting a mate.

The Cumberland Darter may be small, but its story is one of resilience and hope. With continued conservation efforts and careful stewardship of their habitats, we’re optimistic that these little fish will keep gracing Kentucky’s streams for generations to come.