Gilt Darter | Percina evides

Status: IUCN: Least Concern

Threats: Development, habitat fragmentation, impoundments, and sedimentation.

CFI Status: Propagated at CFI from 2009-2013 to develop propagation protocols and reintroduction.
(What do these terms mean?)

Native Range: Mississippi River basin from NY and MN, and south to n. AL and n. AR; Maumee River system (Lake Erie drainage), OH and IN; Locally common but extirpated from much of its former range including all of OH, IA, and IL.

Spawning Habitat Preferences: Late spring to mid-summer spawners in medium-sized streams to large rivers with high flow; spawn in riffles and fine sand gravel deposits behind large boulders.

Fun Fact: Gilt Darters have a wide variety of potential colors and patterns that they can display in different seasons and situations. You may find a solo male hosting a maroon wash over their body as they slink between stones in a riffle, while just feet away two other males engaged in a duel may flash turquoise, neon orange, and a deep forest green.

\In Partnership With: The State University of New York Cobleskill Endangered Fishes Hatchery